The Minnesota Vikings announced the release of veteran kicker Ryan Longwell on Monday.
Longwell had three seasons and $7 million left on a four-year contract he signed last summer that included a $3.5 million signing bonus. He was due to make $1.75 million salary this season.
“Ryan has meant a great deal to the Vikings organization both on and off the field over the past 6 seasons. We wish him all the best in the future and thank him for his service to the Minnesota Vikings.” stated Head Coach Leslie Frazier in a press release by the team.
Longwell averaged a 94.4 field-goal percentage over the 2009 and 2010 seasons — 43 of 46 — was the best in the NFL. Including nine years with the Green Bay Packers. Despite a down year in 2011 he made 22 of 28 field-goal attempts Longwell was still one of the best in the game at age 37. Longwell recorded 633 points, third in franchise history.
