Mike Zimmer and the Vikings need to call up one of these kickers

1. Dan Bailey

This one is really too easy. Bailey was hampered last year by groin and hamstring issues, which led to him going just 15-for-20 on field goals and 26-for-28 on extra points over 12 games. Prior to that he had not missed an extra point in his career, and even with the 75 percent conversion rate last year he is still an 88.2 percent field goal kicker for his career. That’s the second-best rate in NFL history.

The Dallas Cowboys decision to cut Bailey on Sept.1, completely out of nowhere to anyone outside the organization, was almost purely a financial one. He had three more years left on an expensive contract, and the team saved close to $3.5 million this year by cutting him.

Bailey had a workout with the New York Jets immediately after being cut, but nothing has been reported on that front since. The Cleveland Browns may also particularly be in the market for a kicker now, so Bailey may not be unemployed much longer.

Pro Football Talk reported Sunday afternoon that Bailey is “waiting for the right team” to sign with. A proverbial “right team” is probably one with winning expectations, aka the Super Bowl or somewhere close, and the talent to meet them. The Vikings fit that bill, as do the Rams as ESPN’s Adam Schefter also suggested they may also be seeking a new kicker with Greg Zuerlein injured during pre-game warmups on Sunday.

Since their game on Sunday ended earlier than the Rams’ game did, the Vikings could have gotten a head start on interest in Bailey. As long as he’s healthy and is willing to come in, nothing should stand in the way of Bailey being Minnesota’s new kicker.