MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings have a new kicker, and possibly a new punter.
Kaare Vedvik, a second-year pro from Norway, was acquired in a trade with the Ravens for a draft pick, the Ravens announced on Sunday, pending a physical. The Vikings sent a 2020 fifth-round pick to Baltimore, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, for Vedvik, who displayed impressive kicking and punting during a recent preseason game.
We have traded kicker Kaare Vedvik to the Minnesota Vikings for an undisclosed draft pick, pending the passing of a physical. pic.twitter.com/JhfkeEyvLp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 11, 2019
The trade comes as incumbent kicker Dan Bailey, who signed a one-year deal in March, has suffered through an uneven training camp. Bailey made all four extra-point attempts during Friday’s preseason opener in New Orleans. The Vikings also seek improvement out of punter Matt Wile, who is the team’s holder.
Head coach Mike Zimmer declined to discuss the trade Sunday.
“If we indeed made a trade, it’s to try and get better guys,” Zimmer said.
It’s not often a team trades a fifth-round pick for a kicker, as the Vikings are doing today for former Ravens’ kicker Kaare Vedvik. Here’s a look back at other trades for kickers: pic.twitter.com/rGgejNmopQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2019
Timing of the Vikings’ field goal operation has been inconsistent, according to Zimmer.
“Honestly, I really like Dan Bailey,” Zimmer said. “He’s a very professional, mature kid. We’ve been having some issues with the snap, hold and kick kind of thing. Having two long snappers, I think that’s adding to it a little bit. We’re working on holding quite a bit.”
Vedvik is coming off a clean exhibition opener for the Ravens on Thursday, when he made all four of his field goal tries, including a long of 55 yards. He also booted two punts averaging 55.5 yards.
Kaare Vedvik WENT OFF in the first #NFLPreseason game for the #Ravens.
— Kohl's Kicking Camps (@KohlsKicking) August 9, 2019
4/4 on FGs with this 55 yarder, and a 55-yard punt average to top it off.#KohlsElite | #NFL
pic.twitter.com/M5SWosEPzP
Vedvik, 25, was sidelined last season after he was assaulted in East Baltimore on Aug. 31, leaving facial and head injuries.
