Minnesota Vikings: Top options to replace Daniel Carlson at kicker

Kai Forbath

This connection is the easiest to make and (probably) the most likely to happen. At the same time, it may not be the Vikings’ best bet from a talent/reliability standpoint.

Sure, Kai Forbath was a solid kicker during his season and a half with the Vikings. During that time, he connected on 47 of his 53 attempts (88.7 percent) and made some clutch kicks. The problem was his inconsistency with extra points after they were pushed back to the 15-yard line.

In fact, he was less accurate on PATs during his time in the Twin Cities than he was on field goals. In those 23 games, he missed eight extra points. That fact played a big part in the club’s decision to draft Carlson this past April. At this point, though, it’s looking like passing on the rookie and sticking with Forbath would have been the better option.

Fans will be clamoring for Forbath’s return because, frankly, he’s the familiar name. However, as I’m about to break down, there are other names out there on the open market who also warrant consideration from Spielman, Mike Zimmer and this Vikings staff.