Given the problems that the Minnesota Vikings have had with kickers over the years, it might be worth keeping Dan Bailey around after a standout season.
There are plenty of hard decisions facing the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, including whether to offer kicker Dan Bailey a new contract or not.
The Bailey enjoyed a fantastic year in Minnesota after the team started looking at alternative options last summer.
Bailey became a reliable presence on the Vikings special teams that has been sorely lacking in recent seasons. He hit 27 of his 29 field goal attempts (93.1 percent) and he demonstrated nerves of steel that contributed significantly to Minnesota returning to the playoffs.
The kicking problems that have cursed the franchise for decades are well documented. They have been the difference between winning big games and suffering heartbreak on several occasions.
Having a dependable presence such as Bailey can only be beneficial going forward, providing he can continue his encouraging form if he is kept on.
The Vikings have to work any new deal around their current salary cap restrictions in the coming weeks. This could mean Bailey will have to wait a little longer for a possible contract if one is even offered at all.
This is just one intriguing element of an offseason that is going to shape Minnesota’s long and short-term ambitions.