REPORT: Vikings would like to bring back Kai Forbath for 2018
By Adam Patrick
A free-agent this year, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested in bringing back their kicker for at least the 2018 season.
It was a classic “here we go again” moment for the Minnesota Vikings during their divisional round matchup with the New Orleans Saints last season.
With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Vikings kicker Kai Fortbath lined up to attempt a 53-yard field goal to give Minnesota the lead. But unlike those who were in a similar situation for the Vikings in the past like Gary Anderson and Blair Walsh, Forbath actually made the kick.
In his first full season with Minnesota in 2017, Forbath had a number of moments like the one against the Saints. However, there were also plenty of times when the kicker caused Vikings fans to shout obscenities at their TV screens.
With Minnesota last year, Forbath made 32 of his attempted 38 field goals and 34 of 39 extra point attempts. Of the kickers that attempted at least 20 extra points last season, none of them missed more than Forbath.
Scheduled to become a free-agent when the new league year begins on Wednesday, not a whole lot has been said this offseason regarding the kicker’s chances to return to the Vikings in 2018. At least not until Sunday.
Source says #Vikings want to re-sign kicker Kai Forbath, who made $775,000 last season, but no offer has been made yet as they await to know more about their money situation after Kirk Cousins situation runs its course.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 11, 2018
According to Tomasson, Forbath has a good chance to remain with Minnesota for another season. Don’t be surprised though if the Vikings bring in another kicker, either through free agency or the draft, to compete with Forbath for the 2018 job.
He may not be Minnesota’s first choice, but it’s not like the team has a ton of other options. The kickers available in free agency this year are not exactly the cream of the crop.
Next: Realistic free-agent options for the Vikings' defense in 2018
For now, Forbath will be waiting to see if the Vikings are able to land Kirk Cousins. Once that happens, then a new contract for the kicker should be easier to figure out.