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When free agency began, one of the needs the Vikings had was kicker. But let’s face it, kicker is always a need for the Vikings, because Vikings kickers have a hard time hitting water if they fall out of a boat on Lake of the Woods, much less...you know...making kicks.
Last year’s heart attack inducer, Dan Bailey, looks like he’ll be returning:
The #Vikings re-signed kicker Dan Bailey to a one-year, $1 million deal, source said. Max $2M with incentives.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2019
Bailey, if you’ll remember, was signed to replace Daniel Carlson, who missed three potential game winning field goals in a week two tie at Green Bay. If he makes one of them, The Vikes end up 9-7, and get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
But, Carlson missed...all of them...and Minnesota signed a guy who was the second most accurate kicker in NFL history.
He immediately sucked when he joined the VIkings, though, making only 4/9 field goals from 40-49 yards, 1 of 2 from 50 or more, and only 75% of his field goals overall with the Vikings (21/28).
Because of course he did, as kicker is black cloud that hangs over this franchise for reasons that escape me.
But, is he the final solution for 2019? Maybe, maybe not:
Should note one thing here. Vikings have their kicker for *now*. Might could see some competition later on. They did a similar type deal with Kai Forbath in FA last year with only $200K of his contract guaranteed before they drafted Daniel Carlson in the 5th round. https://t.co/7hU3EA4wTt
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 19, 2019
I doubt they’d draft a guy, not after the Walsh and Carlson fiascos, but bringing in an undrafted free agent, or a street free agent feels like a possibility.
So, HABEMUS KICKER!