Minnesota has been tormented with inconsistent kicker play for years, but Dan Bailey’s resurgent 2019 helped ease some worries.
Bailey, after making 75% of his field goal attempts for two seasons in a row, went 27-29 last season for the Vikings. If he stays at or near that sort of production, the Vikings won’t have to worry about the kicker position.
The return game is more up in the air, though.
On punt returning, Mike Hughes led the team with 14 attempts in 2019. Hughes, however, might earn a bigger role on the defense after departures in free agency at cornerback.
The team also used Marcus Sherels, who had six returns. Sherels has a 50-50 chance of retiring, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
On kickoffs, the Vikings mostly utilized Ameer Abdullah, who they re-signed this offseason. Abdullah led the team with 13 attempts.
The Vikings special teams unit looked good at times in 2019. Here is what should stay the same and what else needs to happen, in order for the Vikings to find success in that area.