There is no better way to kick off a list of the best free agent signings than with a kicker, right? Well, when that kicker provided accuracy and consistency on a level the Vikings have struggled to find in recent years, the signing seems even more remarkable.
Ryan Longwell came to Minnesota from the Green Bay Packers for the 2006 season. He stuck around to perform the job for six years, kicking the final regular-season field of his career during his time with the Vikings.
While wearing purple and gold, Longwell connected on 135 of his 157 field goal attempts and 228 of 233 extra point tries. All those made attempts resulted in 633 points going on the board for Minnesota.
Longwell is second all-time in Vikings field goals made and extra points made. He is second to only Fred Cox, who played 210 games for Minnesota, compared to only 96 for Longwell. Still, it’s great to see Longwell in the team’s history books.