Dan Bailey

Minnesota Vikings
Place Kicker #5
Minnesota Vikings
Place Kicker #5

Dan Bailey News

Cut loose by Minnesota

The Vikings released Bailey on Tuesday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: The writing was on the ball when the Vikings signed Greg Joseph in February. After missing seven field-goal attempts and six PATs last season, Bailey was never returning to Minnesota without accepting a pay cut on his scheduled $2.7 million salary. He now becomes a free agent instead.

Mar 9, 2021 12:22 PM EST


Facing competition from Greg Joseph

Bailey could face job competition from Greg Joseph, who signed with the Vikings on Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Actually, it's possible Bailey never even gets a chance to compete, considering two-thirds of his 2021 base salary ($2.7 million) becomes fully guaranteed March 19. The Vikings would be unwise to spend that much on a kicker who missed seven field goals and six extra points last season, but they might let Bailey stick around to compete for the job if he's willing to cancel the guarantee or accept a pay cut.

Feb 9, 2021 12:03 PM EST



Up-and-down campaign

Bailey made 15 of 22 field-goal attempts and 37 of 43 extra points during the 2020 season.

Analysis: In his third year with Minnesota, Bailey had one of his worst seasons and ended with a career low in field-goal percentage (68.2). After the kicker made 93.1 percent of his field-goal attempts in 2019, he couldn't put up the same mark this year. The kicker proved reliable inside 40 yards, going 9-for-10, but wasn't consistent from 40-plus, only making seven of 13. Along with inconsistency on FGAs, he was also up and down with PATs. Last season, Bailey missed four extra points, and he added six more in 2020. The 32-year-old will look to turn it around as he's signed with the Vikings through the 2022 season.

Jan 15, 2021 7:07 AM EST


Ready for Week 17

Bailey (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Analysis: The 32-year-old was considered questionable, but it's not a major surprise to see him good to go since the Vikings didn't add a replacement kicker to the roster Saturday. Bailey will look to finish an up-and-down season on a strong note Sunday.

Jan 3, 2021 8:39 AM EST


Carries questionable tag for finale

Bailey (back) submitted a limited practice session Friday, and he is considered questionable heading into Sunday's game at Detroit.

Analysis: Bailey has labored his way to a 70 percent field-goal conversion rate in 2020, the worst of the kicker's 10-year NFL career. If he hasn't provided consistency, he has at least been available, remaining without a game missed since Week 2 of the 2018 season. As a potential indication of how the team views Bailey's status, it's also notable that Minnesota has yet to add another kicker to the active roster. Bailey said Friday that it will be a "collective decision" on whether he fights through his back injury to suit up for Week 17, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Jan 1, 2021 11:10 AM EST



Misses Thursday's practice

Bailey (back) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Bailey's consecutive absences from practice to begin the week isn't a great sign as the Vikings prepare for Sunday's season finale versus the Lions. At this stage, the Vikings haven't added another kicker to the 53-man roster, signaling the team is tentatively planning on Bailey being ready to go by the weekend. Minnesota will likely wait and see what Bailey is able to do at Friday's practice before making a more official call on his status for Week 17.

Dec 31, 2020 1:01 PM EST


Dealing with back injury

Bailey (back) didn't practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Bailey has hardly missed any time in 10 seasons as a pro, logging six absences in 159 possible appearances. All of them happened between 2017 and 2018, and it's unclear if his current back issue is threatening his ability to play in Sunday's season finale at Detroit. The Vikings have kicker Taylor Bertolet stashed on the practice squad, so if he's elevated or signed outright to the active roster in the next few days, Bailey may be in danger of his seventh career DNP.

Dec 30, 2020 1:58 PM EST


Misfires on extra point

Bailey made three of four extra-point attempts in Friday's 52-33 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: The blowout nature of the Christmas Day game provided minimal opportunities for Bailey, as he didn't attempt a field goal for the fifth time this season. The veteran kicker also missed his fourth extra point in as many games. His job should nevertheless be secure for the season finale against the Lions.

Dec 28, 2020 9:34 AM EST


Bounces back with perfect outing

Bailey connected on two field-goal attempts and three extra-point tries in Sunday's 33-27 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: The Vikings put their faith in Bailey after he missed four kicks in last week's loss to the Buccaneers. Bailey rewarded their confidence by making all five kicks, although he wasn't truly tested since both field goals came from within 30 yards. Nevertheless, Bailey should retain his job for the remainder of the season, as the Vikings head to New Orleans and Detroit -- both dome settings -- over the final two weeks, respectively.

Dec 21, 2020 9:55 AM EST


Misses all four kicks

Bailey missed three field-goal attempts and his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Bailey missed an extra point following the Vikings' first touchdown of the day, and he later misfired on field-goal tries from 36, 54 and 46 yards. He also missed two extra-point tries in last week's win over Jacksonville. Having made just 12 of 18 field-goal attempts (67 percent) this year, Bailey's job security is in serious doubt ahead of a crucial matchup against the Bears in Week 15.

Dec 14, 2020 9:52 AM EST


Misfires on three kicks

Bailey made two of three field-goal attempts and one of three extra-point tries in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: It was a tough outing for Bailey, as he missed two extra points in regulation. Making those kicks would've negated the need for a potential game-winning, 51-yard try late in the fourth quarter, which he pulled wide left. However, Bailey made up for the misfires by connecting on a 23-yarder in overtime to secure the Vikings' sixth win of the season. The veteran kicker has made 12 of 15 field-goal attempts and 27 of 30 extra-point tries this year. The Vikings travel to Tampa Bay in Week 14.

Dec 7, 2020 9:18 AM EST


Knocks home four kicks

Bailey connected on two field-goal attempts and two extra-point tries in Sunday's 31-3 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: Bailey connected on a season-long 53-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, and he added a 25-yarder just 13 seconds into the fourth quarter. This was just the second time this season that Bailey hit two field goals in a game, as the Vikings lead the league with a 77.8 percent red-zone conversation rate. He's tough to depend on at that clip. Bailey will look to garner more opportunities against the Jaguars in Week 13.

Nov 30, 2020 8:32 AM EST


Extra points only

Bailey made all four extra-point attempts in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: The game script simply didn't favor Bailey in this matchup, as he didn't attempt a field goal for the fourth time in five games. The Vikings have serious weapons on offense, and while they're mediocre in points scored (13th), they lead the league with a 78.1 percent red-zone conversion rate. That leaves few opportunities for Bailey, so he's a volatile fantasy asset.

Nov 23, 2020 9:53 AM EST


Nets seven points

Bailey made both of his field-goal attempts and his only extra-point try in Monday night's 19-13 win over the Bears.

Analysis: Bailey converted from 37 and 43 yards on consecutive kicks during the third quarter before tacking on a PAT in the fourth. Although Monday marked an above-average outing for the veteran, Bailey still only sports 44 points through nine games.

Nov 17, 2020 5:35 PM EST


Lackluster production once again

Bailey made four of five extra-point attempts in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Lions.

Analysis: For a third straight game, Bailey didn't attempt a field goal, although that was more a result of the game script than anything else. Factoring into the game script is Minnesota's elite red-zone efficiency, as it ranks third in the league this year at 76.9 percent. Perhaps he'll garner more opportunities against the Bears' top-ranked red-zone defense (41.9 percent) in Week 10.

Nov 9, 2020 12:36 PM EST


Scores four points

Bailey did not attempt a field goal but converted all four of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 28-22 win over the Packers.

Analysis: Bailey fought windy conditions to put together a perfect showing Sunday. Although his 33 points through seven games is nothing to write home about, Bailey still has only missed two of 23 total kicks this season.

Nov 4, 2020 5:22 AM EST


Held to one extra point

Bailey made his lone kick -- an extra point -- in Sunday's 40-23 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: The Vikings' offense had a pitiful first half, as Kirk Cousins tossed three interceptions and the team failed to capitalize on its lone red-zone trip. They entered halftime with a 20-0 deficit, and although the team turned it around in the second half, it was too late for Bailey. The team scored three touchdowns but attempted just one extra point in the second half, often going for two points instead. The Vikings have a Week 7 bye on the docket, and they'll return to action in Week 8 against the Packers, who have allowed 27.8 points per game this season.

Oct 19, 2020 10:20 AM EST


Hits all four kicks

Bailey made two field goals and two extra points in Sunday's 27-26 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: After missing a pair of field goals over the last two weeks, Bailey was perfect in the primetime showdown, knocking home kicks from 52 and 46 yards. It was the first field goal from beyond 50 yards that Bailey connected on since Week 14 of last season, and it's impressive that he did it in rainy weather. The Vikings' offense has plenty of weapons and should keep providing Bailey opportunities to score, and he'll be a top-tier option at home Week 6 against the Falcons.

Oct 12, 2020 1:33 PM EST


Misses FG for second straight week

Bailey made one of two field goals and all four extra-point attempts in Sunday's 31-23 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Bailey connected on a 31-yarder in the first half, but he sent a 55-yarder wide right in the second half. That made the Texans' final drive a bit more stressful for the Vikings, but they escaped with their first win of the season. Bailey has now missed two field goals and had another blocked over the last two games, so he'll try for a clean slate in Week 5 against the Seahawks.

Oct 5, 2020 1:29 PM EST


Makes one of two FGs

Bailey converted one of two field-goal attempts and all three extra-point attempts during Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: The 32-year-old had his 54-yard attempt blocked during the third quarter but received a chance from closer due to an offside penalty, but he missed wide right from 49 yards out. Bailey hasn't had much production through three games, going 3-for-4 on field-goal attempts and 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts. The Texans have surrendered 95 points in three games, so Week 4 could be a favorable matchup.

Sep 28, 2020 1:16 PM EST


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