The Minnesota Vikings will retain their incumbent kicker. Don't fret too much, though, Skol Nation – if recent history serves as precedent, your team could still yet bring in some competition for Dan Bailey.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Vikings have re-signed Bailey to a one-year, $1 million deal, that could reach $2 million if he hits certain incentives.
The contract only contains $250,000 in guaranteed money.
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 was signed by Minnesota on September 17 of last season to replace Daniel Carlson. The rookie kicker missed three potential game-winning field goals in the Vikings' Week 2 tie with the Green Bay Packers, a result that ultimately precluded them from making the playoffs.
Bailey fared better for Minnesota over the season's remainder than Carlson likely would have, but still failed to live up to established career norms.
The eight-year veteran made 21-of-28 field goals last season, tying his career-worst with a 75 percent conversion rate. He went just 4-of-9 on field goals from 40-to-49 yards, and 1-of-2 on attempts of 50 yards or longer. Bailey connected on 31-of-32 extra-point opportunities, though, a bright spot in a season that could be considered the worst of his career.
Bailey spent the first seven years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, but was released after training camp leading up to last season following a subpar 2017 campaign.
It's possible he suffers a similar fate in the months ahead given the parameters of his contract and Minnesota's past history of locking up a veteran kicker in free agency before seeking out superior alternatives, as ESPN's Courtney Cronin noted on twitter.
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
Bailey, 31, is 207-of-238 for his career, and has typically been a reliable option on longer field goals, connecting on 82.4 percent of his total attempts from 40-to-49 yards.
Follow Us
Subscribe