Vikings Sign Longwell (1 Viewer)

[Spergon Wynn]

http://www.startribune.com/510/story/300677.html

Packers kicker Ryan Longwell has signed with the Vikings, the team confirmed this afternoon. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

Longwell, who has spent all nine of his NFL seasons in Green Bay, has a career field goal accuracy percentage of 86.1. He made 20 of 27 field goals (74.1) last year.

In 2004, he made 24 of 28 (85.7), including a pair of game-winners against the Vikings. The second one came at the Metrodome on Christmas Eve and gave the Packers their third consecutive NFC North division title.

Other free agents visiting today are Chargers linebacker Ben Leber and Ravens running back Chester Taylor. The team has confirmed both visits.

 

[Boston]

Interesting...

They were rumored to be going after AV. Maybe they were scared away by his asking price or simply saw Longwell's price being more team-friendly. Also, I saw Longwell as a possible replacement for AV should he go elsewhere. If the Pats lose him I have absolutely no clue who will be kicking for them in 06.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

 

[Boston]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

After every miss there was sure to be an excuse. And he was constantly whining about his holders. That's why I'm surprised he didn't go to Tampa. I believe he had life size cutouts of Josh Bidwell in every room of his home. All he could talk about was Green Bay's former punter and his favorite holder in the entire universe.

 

[Boston]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

After every miss there was sure to be an excuse. And he was constantly whining about his holders. That's why I'm surprised he didn't go to Tampa. I believe he had life size cutouts of Josh Bidwell in every room of his home. All he could talk about was Green Bay's former punter and his favorite holder in the entire universe.

Funny stuff. Thanks for the info.

 

[datonn]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Translated: "I'm a Packers fan and love the players on my team, until they leave. Then they all suck ***. Oh, except Javon Walker, who says how much he hates it here. I hate him already."

 

[Captain Blowhard]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

No--but remember last year Packer fans badmouthed Wahle and Rivera on their way out of town, too. I suppose the Packers will be better off without Longwell now, too

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Don't get me wrong, Longwell is a good kicker. And he'll probaly thrive up in the dome. The Packers probably need to sign Vanderjagt or Viniateri otherwise they face a potentially serious downgrade. I was just sick of the excuses after literally every miss. I think he was at the point in his career that he needed to go somewhere warm or a dome.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

No--but remember last year Packer fans badmouthed Wahle and Rivera on their way out of town, too. I suppose the Packers will be better off without Longwell now, too

I don't remember anyone badmouthing Wahle. Rivera's badmouthing was justified. And the Packers will only be better off without Longwell if they sign Viniateri and debatedly Vanderjagt. So stick your assumptions in a sack.

 

[Kleck.]

Good signing for the Queens. Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him. Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

Good signing for the Queens. Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him. Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Good signing for the Queens.  Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him.  Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

Unless of course Thompson thinks he's on the down side of his career and doesn't deserve that kind of money. Which, is right where I'm at.

 

[Kleck.]

Good signing for the Queens.  Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him.  Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

I like Longwell and believe he is one of the better kickers in the league and am very happy for him that he landed a great deal. However, from my understanding he didn't want to come back and it would have cost Green Bay even more to keep him. Just because a team has cap room doesn't mean they should blindly spend it on players that would rather go elsewhere. They'll be able to find a capable replacement for a cheaper price, unless they are targeting Vinatieri and in that case I'd say it would be a nice upgrad, but I don't expect to see that.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I'll also add this. The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker. Spend the money improving elsewhere, and worry about a kicker when you actually have a shot for that kicker to make a difference.

 

[Kleck.]

I'll also add this. The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker. Spend the money improving elsewhere, and worry about a kicker when you actually have a shot for that kicker to make a difference.

Agreed.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I'd like to see Green Bay replace Longwell with Viniateri. That would be a nice upgrade over Longwell's excuses and whining.

Does he have an attitude issue?

Yep, it is never his fault when he misses.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Good signing for the Queens.  Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him.  Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

WRONG

 

[Bri]

Good signing for the Queens.  Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him.  Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

WRONG

I'd agree with the last part but not the re-signing. They need a good K. Whether it's wild throws by Favre or an Rogers' inexperience ending drives early, it's gonna happen. They need a good K in GB.

 

[sho nuff]

Good signing for the Queens. Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him. Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

No...should do well in Vikings.But last year's misses did him in...as did his inability to kick the ball deep on kickoffs.

 

[sho nuff]

Good signing for the Queens. Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him. Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

No excuse? How about several key misses last year...wanting more than he is probably worth...and not being able to kick deep kickoffs? I see plenty of reasons to not sign him if they have a good replacement lined up.

 

[sho nuff]

I'll also add this. The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker. Spend the money improving elsewhere, and worry about a kicker when you actually have a shot for that kicker to make a difference.

Bingo...which is why I like the signing of Manuel...and going after Pickett (definate sign that Grady will not be back).I think shoring up defense first is the way to go.

 

[Bri]

there are teams that don't pay Ks alot. Certain positions they just don't feel should be paid a huge figure. Ya gotta do something/some plan for the cap.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

Actually, there's a very good excuse for not signing Longwell. We need a kicker who can spank the kickoff deeper than the 15 yard line. It simply is not acceptable to give up 5-10 yards to your opponent on every kickoff. Longwell is a very good, CLUTCH field goal kicker. But he just doesn't have the leg strength to get his kickoffs deep. We lost the field position battle consistently over the past couple years because of this deficiency. [granted, our poor coverage team didn't help matters]At $2M per year, he's just not worth the cost.

 

[sho nuff]

There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

Actually, there's a very good excuse for not signing Longwell. We need a kicker who can spank the kickoff deeper than the 15 yard line. It simply is not acceptable to give up 5-10 yards to your opponent on every kickoff. Longwell is a very good, CLUTCH field goal kicker. But he just doesn't have the leg strength to get his kickoffs deep. We lost the field position battle consistently over the past couple years because of this deficiency. [granted, our poor coverage team didn't help matters]

At $2M per year, he's just not worth the cost.

Yup...as I mentioned above...that and his misses last year showed him the door.

 

[Kleck.]

Very good points about the kickoffs.

 

[Spergon Wynn]

Actually, there's a very good excuse for not signing Longwell. We need a kicker who can the kickoff deeper than the 15 yard line. It simply is not acceptable to give up 5-10 yards to your opponent on every kickoff.

The Vikings are saying the same thing about Edinger....that's not good.

 

[sho nuff]

Actually, there's a very good excuse for not signing Longwell. We need a kicker who can the kickoff deeper than the 15 yard line. It simply is not acceptable to give up 5-10 yards to your opponent on every kickoff.

The Vikings are saying the same thing about Edinger....that's not good.

Maybe he will fare better in the dome.I would be happy as a Viking fan with the signing. Not too sad as a Packer fan though.

 

[Challenge Everything]

So, what round will the Packers pick a rookie kicker this year? Hate to see Longwell go but every player has their time. Plus, he is now closer to Holmgren's daughter.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

I'll also add this. The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker. Spend the money improving elsewhere, and worry about a kicker when you actually have a shot for that kicker to make a difference.

Bingo...which is why I like the signing of Manuel...and going after Pickett (definate sign that Grady will not be back).I think shoring up defense first is the way to go.

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

 

[Lauryn]

Interesting...

They were rumored to be going after AV. Maybe they were scared away by his asking price or simply saw Longwell's price being more team-friendly. Also, I saw Longwell as a possible replacement for AV should he go elsewhere. If the Pats lose him I have absolutely no clue who will be kicking for them in 06.

no one knew who vinatieri was either when he first joined the team, so maybe they can pull another no-name out of their ####.

 

[datonn]

Very good points about the kickoffs.

Yep, that is a very good point. However, what other teams (including the Vikings) have done in situations where they have a good/excellet field goal kicker who has trouble kicking the ball deep is sign a kick-off specialist at/near the league minimum. I guess I'd personally rather have a guy I feel is "money" from 35-40 yards out with .05 left on the clock in the fourth quarter...which I believe Longwell is about as close to being as their is in the league. He did have an off-year in '05 (missed 7 of 27 attempts, I think). However, it would be interesting to go back and look at those seven misses, to see how many of them were in tough weather conditions and/or 45-50+ yards out. Also, 8+ games in a dome every year (4-5 in November/December) ain't too shabby either.I've always admired Longwell's talent (along with Favre and Ahman Green), even as a Vikings fan, so to see him in Purple will be

 

[Bri]

Interesting...

They were rumored to be going after AV.  Maybe they were scared away by his asking price or simply saw Longwell's price being more team-friendly.  Also, I saw Longwell as a possible replacement for AV should he go elsewhere.  If the Pats lose him I have absolutely no clue who will be kicking for them in 06.

no one knew who vinatieri was either when he first joined the team, so maybe they can pull another no-name out of their ####.

todd france?(hung up on this guy, yes)

 

[CletiusMaximus]

However, it would be interesting to go back and look at those seven misses, to see how many of them were in tough weather conditions and/or 45-50+ yards out.

He was 7-7 from under 30 yards, 6-10 from 30-39, 3-5 from 40-49 and 4-5 from 50+. Worst game was a missed a 42 yard FG and an extra point in a 1 point loss to the Bucs at Lambeau (rainy, warm day). He was a great kicker for the Packers and is the team's all-time leading scorer by a wide margin, but fans got a bit sick of him blaming the holder every week last season. I am sure many misses were the holder's fault, but it just seemed a bit lame to keep openly blaming Sander in the press week after week and it reportedly made Longwell somewhat of a lockerroom parriah. Its like a guy I work with who is constantly blaming his secretary for screw-ups in his work - at some point its up to him to fix the problem or accept the blame himself.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Good signing for the Queens.  Replacing Longwell might not be so easy, but if what I heard on the radio is true, 5/year $10 mil, I'm feeling much better about Green Bay parting ways with him.  Definitely not sure I'd want Green Bay to spend that much or more to keep him.

Yeah, maybe TT will just keep looking at all that money the Packers have in the bank and touch his happy spot over it every day.There's no excuse, given the Packers cap space, not to re-sign Longwell. They will have to spend that or more to get a kicker equal or better than him.

Unless of course Thompson thinks he's on the down side of his career and doesn't deserve that kind of money. Which, is right where I'm at.

Very good, actually.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

Nice logic. So by the addition of yet another gaping hole on the Packers roster...they now won't suck? Interesting.

 

[mozzy84]

The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker.

no doubt they a need a new qb before they are going to win squat

 

[Pipes]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

Nice logic. So by the addition of yet another gaping hole on the Packers roster...they now won't suck? Interesting.

I think he means they can now take the money they would've spent on Longwell and their other cap money and go after some defensive free agents. That's a ton of money for a K and could be better spent elsewhere.

 

[sho nuff]

I'll also add this. The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker. Spend the money improving elsewhere, and worry about a kicker when you actually have a shot for that kicker to make a difference.

Bingo...which is why I like the signing of Manuel...and going after Pickett (definate sign that Grady will not be back).I think shoring up defense first is the way to go.

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

Nope. But nice try putting words in my mouth and saying something that I never did say. Though, that is par for the course for you in this thread...you have done that quite a bit.

 

[sho nuff]

The Packers are farther away from being a winner than a good kicker.

no doubt they a need a new qb before they are going to win squat

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

Nice logic. So by the addition of yet another gaping hole on the Packers roster...they now won't suck? Interesting.

clueless

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

So you're agreeing the Packers will suck next year?

They won't suck for long if they keep making right choices like not re-signing Longwell for that kind of money.

Nice logic. So by the addition of yet another gaping hole on the Packers roster...they now won't suck? Interesting.

I think he means they can now take the money they would've spent on Longwell and their other cap money and go after some defensive free agents. That's a ton of money for a K and could be better spent elsewhere.

 

[BigJim®]

He's overpaid and past his prime. Just like Sharper.

 

[Gopher State]

I doubt the Packers will be scoring many points either by FG or TD, based on what they have left for a team. Good signing by the Vikings, all the Green Bay backers said last year Sharper was over the hill also

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I doubt the Packers will be scoring many points either by FG or TD, based on what they have left for a team. Good signing by the Vikings, all the Green Bay backers said last year Sharper was over the hill also

Actually, most of us said he was always hurt and overpaid. Kudos to him for staying somewhat healthy for once.

 

[packersfan]

So, what round will the Packers pick a rookie kicker this year? Hate to see Longwell go but every player has their time. Plus, he is now closer to Holmgren's daughter.

Wrong former Packer's kicker. That would be Chris Jacke you're thinking of with Holmgren's daughter. With regard to Longwell, excellent signing by the Vikings. His kickoffs are definitely an issue but he should thrive in the dome and that will be a significant boost to what could be a very suspect offense. I don't have a problem with the Packers not wanting to pay $2M a year for a kicker but losing Longwell is a huge blow that will need to be addressed. It's been a very long time since the Packers have had issues with their kicker. Longwell has been one of the best in the game since he entered the league and before him Jacke was a standout for the Packers for several seasons as well.

Unlike many teams the Packers have no had to go through a number of kickers and fret about that vital position. So it's imperative that Thompson find a strong replacement for Longwell. Given the potential offensive problems that will exist should Favre retire, having a strong kicker becomes even more paramount.

 

[Mike Herman]

An update regarding Longwell's favorite topic: who will be holding for him

The Vikings plan to have punter Chris Kluwe serve as the holder for new kicker Ryan Longwell this season. Brad Johnson served in that role last season, but with the veteran now starting at quarterback the coaches feel Longwell and Kluwe have a better chance of getting a rhythm together.

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