The Minnesota Vikings will reportedly waive kicker/punter Kaare Vedvik, less than three weeks after trading a fifth-round pick in 2020 to the Baltimore Ravens for him.
NFL Media reports the Vikings have informed the Norwegian kicker they're waiving him. He had been challenging veteran Dan Bailey for placekicking duties, and competing with Matt Wile to be the team's punter.
His release opens the door for the 31-year-old Bailey to return for a second season in Minnesota. Wile will be the punter.
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Vedvik, who signed with the Ravens before last season as an undrafted rookie free agent, never played a down in the regular season. He landed on the injury list after being injured in an assault before the season.
But with a chance to land a job this summer, Vedvik faltered. He hit only 1-of-4 field goal attempts and missed three attempts in the Vikings' last two preseason games, including a 37-yarder against the Bills on Thursday. And one of his punts against Buffalo was returned for a touchdown, with Vedvik whiffing on the tackle attempt.
80 YARDS UNTOUCHED.
— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2019
Marcus Murphy takes the punt to the house! #MINvsBUF pic.twitter.com/rLPVJgXk4m
It should be pointed out that a kicker who could handle both placekicking and punting duties would free up a valuable roster spot, so don't be surprised to see Vedvik get another shot at some point.
As for Bailey, he made only 21-of-28 field goal attempts last season for the Vikings. The once-reliable kicker made just 75 percent of his attempts the year before in Dallas as well, so he might be on a short leash.