6 free-agent kickers the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Chris Schad
Younghoe Koo
2020 Team: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons struck gold when they picked up Younghoe Koo midway through the 2019 season. Although the 26-year-old had a short leash with the Los Angeles Chargers, Koo found his potential with Atlanta, converting 60-of-65 field goals (92.3 percent) and 48 of 52 extra points (92.3 percent).
Koo became one of the league’s most accurate kickers in 2020, netting a league-high 37 field goals on 39 attempts.
With a 94.9 percent conversion rate, the Vikings would welcome Koo with open arms if he decided to sign with them. The only hangup will be how much Minnesota can afford to pay him.
Even with Bailey’s release, the Vikings are unlikely to throw a ton of money at a free-agent kicker this year. If anything, Koo’s breakout performance with the Falcons could give Minnesota hope that they’ve found their own up-and-coming kicker in Greg Joseph, who made 17-of-20 field goals with the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
If Joseph could have a similar breakout to Koo, the Vikings could solve their own issues at a fraction of the cost.