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As I mentioned this morning when discussing Browns fans’ inability to send mean tweets to the correct Zane Gonzalez after their kicker failed in pure Cleveland Browns fashion, at least they didn’t trade up to draft a kicker this year like the Vikings did.
As you may or may not recall, the Vikings traded two sixth-round picks to move up to the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft so they could take kicker Daniel Carlson out of Auburn.
Carlson was good enough to beat out incumbent Kai Forbath during the offseason, making the investment seem okay. However, he then proceeded to completely crap the bed in just his second game missing one field goal in regulation and two in overtime in the Vikings’ 29-29 tie with the Green Bay Packers.
Might as well leave Daniel Carlson at Lambeau. #wareagle pic.twitter.com/wT1S1zTJ4d
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 16, 2018
Today, Carlson was cut by the Vikings and replaced with the second most accurate kicker in NFL history, Dan Bailey, who was just sitting around at home while kickers in the NFL went 39 of 51 on field goal attempts and 62 of 69 on extra points.
The #Vikings, loaded basically everywhere, have just agreed to terms with the second most accurate kicker in NFL history. Dan Bailey waited for the right deal, now lands in Minnesota.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2018
Bailey, who for some inexplicable reason, was released by the Dallas Cowboys at the end of preseason, has not played yet this year because team’s believed his asking price was too high.
Per a league source, there is only one issue right now with Dan Bailey: He’s asking for a lot of cash. As @AdamSchefter reported, Bailey has turned down four offers. Bailey is the NFL’s second-most accurate kicker but at what price will he settle for seems to be the only question
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 17, 2018
That opinion quickly changed on Sunday for several teams including the Browns, Rams and Vikings.
Source: The #Browns are signing kicker Greg Joseph after today’s workout. Formerly of the #Dolphins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2018
Teams likely to be looking for kickers this week: Cleveland, Minnesota, Los Angeles Rams.
Top kickers on street: Dan Bailey, Cairo Santos, Sam Ficken, Roberto Aguayo, Jon Brown, Taylor Bertolet, Kai Forbath, Eddie Piniero, Georgia Tavecchio.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
During today’s press conference, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked why they cut their rookie kicker. His response was pretty savage (but true).
#Vikings coach Mike Zimmer on why they cut rookie kicker Daniel Carlson: "Did you see the game?"
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 17, 2018
Woof.
Mike Zimmer is cold-blooded pic.twitter.com/jkY0Amk0V8
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) September 17, 2018