5 budget-friendly free agent fits available for the Minnesota Vikings

2. Mike Nugent, kicker

This is more of a desperation pickup than a luxury pick. As of this writing, the Minnesota Vikings currently don’t have a kicker on their roster and the options in free agency are loaded with expensive or highly questionable options.

Since the team is likely to get a rookie kicker this year, they should have competition with a veteran. And with options falling off the board, the Vikings should sign Mike Nugent as soon as the front office can make it happen.

Nugent might be 37 years old, but age rarely matters for kickers. Many at the position have lasted into their 40’s and still kicked at a high level. In fact, Nugent was flawless on field goals last year in his three games played, making all six of his tries including one from 52 yards out and another from 48.

Last year, Mike Nugent only had a cap hit of $1.015M with the Raiders but should be the next kicker to get paid this offseason unless one of the higher priced free agents goes first. But Minnesota can’t put all their eggs in the basket of a rookie this year, not after what happened with Daniel Carlson.