In a somewhat surprising move, according to ESPN 1500, the Minnesota Vikings have released veteran kicker Ryan Longwell
Longwell, who is generally regarded for his accuracy, struggled in the 2011 season only making 78.6% of his field goal attempts. That coupled with the fact that Longwell is nearing the end of his career while the Vikings organization is attempting to make the team younger probably led to his release.
It is assumed that Longwell will be replaced by rookie Blair Walsh who was drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft. While many knew that there would be some sort of competition between the two, Longwell’s quick release seems to have caught a few off guard.
Ryan Longwell is a class act and we at Vikings Territory wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.
We will keep you all updated as more details of Longwell’s release are made available by the team.
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Wow, That seems a little Premature!
Premature probably out of respect for Longwell. They probably knew they wanted to get younger at the position and were willing to deal with the growing pains, so they released him early so he could latch onto a team earlier and give him a better chance to win a job.
Charles -
You sounded just like BJohnny's girlfriend.
Anyway, not surprising really. The Vike are rebuilding, they don't need Brian Longwell 2 to 3 years from now when they begin to contend, he will be too old and pretty crappy. Keeping him this year would do nothing to help in rebuilding the team. Let some young guy grow this year when the team will lose it's share, he will take his lumps, learn and be ready by the time the rest of the team is ready to contend. Or at least, that's the hope. If the new guy doesn't work out, Joe Webb can kick.
He can be the holder and jump over the crossbar!
Sorry to see Mr. Longwell go. A class act all the way. Good luck Ryan, probably the best kicker the Vikes have ever had.
The numbers would back up your claim, cart. Just a tad better pct. than Gary Anderson, who kicked five years for the Purple vs. Longwell's six. I like the guy, but could never fully get over the fact we had to borrow a kicker from the Packers. Just ain't right, somehow. Wished he coulda had a shot at that one in the Superdome a couple years ago.
Nobody's perfect, Coach.
Sorry BJohnny... Freds had to.....you know.
Oh come on Freds that hasnt happened in like months!
Cant help but wonder if they have a free agent or two they're looking at and want some extra cap space but I have to ask at this point how much would they create? The new guy must have looked pretty good at rookie camp for them to dump Longwell tho.
Freds, you're getting pretty good with those "company lines". That was an explanation straight out of the Brad Childress coaching manual. You getting diplmatic in your old age?
...although that was shameful low blow to johnny. I trust he will choose to take the high road in his response, though.
No problem Coach. I did read that Freds has joined in on one of those concussion lawsuits against the league so that could explain things a little.
Yeah,
That makes sense with Longwell...
Coach is right, kinda low Freds, Johnny will be at the Crossroads ...
i find this move revolting...we draft a craptactular kicker..and cut a reliable kicker....why not just start throwing games...i couldve seen this next year but not this year...this is exactly why spielman will never win a superbowl..he sucks
Buds,
"Shameful" is a little strong don't you think? It would have been shameful if Freds didn't respond to the softball old Charles threw out there. Speaking of softballs, your Twins are shameful. Good golly man, even you should be ready to take your Hoveround and launch yourself overboard. That team makes the Vikes look like they were working on a perfect season last year.
Our Twins are shameful, Freds, no doubt about it. Its not hard to miss a game these days - gives me more time to write to legislators thanking them for raising the price of my hunting and fishing licenses, and to get this stadium thing done. But back to the point, we all have to take a pitch now and then no matter how good it looks. Since johnny brought it up, what's your take on these concussion lawsuits? I have not myself come to a conclusion yet, but it does seem a little like the McDonalds hot coffee suit, doesn't it?
this move was a year late since they gave him a signing bonus and ext., and now they should've kept him to amortize their investment (threw in that last part for phreds)