Minnesota Vikings Cut Kicker They Outbid Bears For Three Weeks Ago

The Minnesota Vikings have to be enduring one of the largest migraines in recent memory. As bad as the Chicago Bears have had it at kicker, their division rivals may have them beat. Ever since the Blair Walsh disaster, this team has continually searched for answers. Each time they've been met with disappointment. It was hoped that their bold trade for Baltimore Ravens backup Kaare Vedvik was the answer to their prayers.

Over the previous two preseasons, Vedvik had put on a show. He connected on 12-of-13 field goal attempts, revealing a cannon for a right leg that could easily hit from 55-60 yards. Put that in a domed atmosphere and there's no telling what he could accomplish. The problem was other teams wanted him, including the Bears. It looked like Chicago had the upper hand, offering a conditional 5th round pick to Baltimore.

Unable to resist, the Vikings offer a 5th without conditions. The Ravens accepted and Vedvik was brought aboard. In a matter of three weeks, everything imploded. The young kicker missed his very first field goal attempt, in Minnesota no less. That set the tone for the rest of the month as he went 1-for-4 on his field goal attempts. Rather than stick things out and see if he could improve, the notoriously impatient Vikings chose to cut bait instead.

Minnesota Vikings didn't necessarily make the right decision

While the Vedvik absolutely stunk up the preseason for Minnesota, it's fair to point out he wasn't put into the best position. Even though the Vikings traded for him, they never made it seem like he was the guy. Dan Bailey, who is now their kicker for 2019, was still on the roster. This created competition right from the start. Throw in the hard-nosed coaching style of Mike Zimmer, which doesn't always work with certain players and it's fair to say the young specialist was overwhelmed by everything.

Had the Vikings given him the job outright and let him settle into the job, it's possible the returns would've been better. Then again they've never been a team known for their patience. Just last year they cut kicker Daniel Carlson after a rough game in Green Bay. He landed in Oakland a month later and went 16-of-17 down the stretch. Sometimes it's worth taking a step back to see if the player can get himself figured out.