Why the Vikings need to re-sign kicker Dan Bailey this year
By Dean Jones
How the Vedvik trade helped Bailey
Things looked bleak for Dan Bailey last summer when the Vikings traded a fifth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for Kaare Vedvik.
The Norwegian-born player was expected to fill the starting spot after a difficult first year in Minnesota for Bailey. After a stiff battle in training camp and the preseason though, Vedvik was eventually waived as the Vikings decided to keep faith with what he had.
That experience has done Bailey the world of good as he would have been questioning his own future and form. But for Minnesota to make a significant commitment by trading a mid-round draft pick for a possible replacement must have been demoralizing.
Instead of accepting his fate, Bailey rolled up his sleeves and demonstrated the necessary qualities to keep his place on the roster. Nothing brings the best out of a player than the possibility of unemployment and the kicker used this move by the Vikings as a source of inspiration to get back to his old self.
He has continued this rich period of form during the 2019 season, missing just two kicks that were between 40 and 49 yards. Bailey was perfect on all three of his field-goal attempts from more than 50 yards and went 3-for-3 in the playoffs.
The determination, ability to rise against adversity and resolve displayed by Bailey during the weeks heading into the 2019 season has prolonged his NFL career.