NFL: After kicker debacle: Vikes get Bailey

The Minnesota Vikings closed the kicker construction site quickly and prominently: After Daniel Carlson was released on Monday, Vikes signed Dan Bailey.

Carlson, who Minnesota had only won in the fifth round of this year’s draft, had to go into Sunday’s draw against the Green Bay Packers after three misses – Bailey is now one of the most experienced and best kickers of recent years.

Bailey played for the Dallas Cowboys for seven years, converting 186 field goals and giving away only two of his 278 extra points. The 30-year-old had suffered a groin injury, but seemed to be fit again after the training camp – so his release in Dallas was all the more surprising.

Bailey is the second most accurate kicker in NFL history, behind Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, with 88.2% field goal. Should he be able to continue at his usual level, the Vikings may have finally closed a construction site that has been tormenting them for years.