Ryan

Longwell

Ryan Longwell has three years left on his contract, but he converted just 78.6 percent of his field goals in 2011 and is 37. He also no longer handles kickoffs and barely has any range from 50-plus yards out. Still, it’s a confusing pick as the Vikings have tons of holes and Walsh missed 14 of the 35 field goals he attempted as a senior last season.

Longwell carries a $1.75M salary after converting just 78.6 percent of his field-goal attempts in 2011. He turns 38 this fall. It should be noted that Walsh only connected on 21-of-35 field goals as a senior at Georgia, and went 17-for-31 from beyond 30 yards (54.8 percent). He should be guaranteed nothing.

They’ll move forward with sixth-round rookie Blair Walsh. Longwell, who turns 38 before the season, shanked 6-of-28 field-goal attempts last year in addition to one PAT. Opponents also had a lot of success returning kicks against the Vikings. It’s still a questionable decision because Walsh went 21-for-35 on field goals as a college senior, connecting on just 54.8 percent of his attempts from beyond 30 yards. We suspect Longwell will find a new home quickly. The Vikings’ kicking duties are on even shakier footing with the rookie Walsh.

“The ones you’re concerned about are the ones that go a little bit left,” explained special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. The Vikes attribute Longwell’s down season to problems with the rest of the field-goal operation. With three years remaining on his contract, Longwell’s job is safe.

The Seahawks will hold off on a decision for Sunday’s kicker while monitoring Steven Hauschka (calf) in practice this week. Longwell was out of the league all season after hitting 22-of-28 field goals for Minnesota last season.

Hauschka injured his calf during Sunday’s Wild Card win in Washington. It wraps a career-best season that saw him go 24-of-27 on field goals in the regular season, including a 23-of-23 mark from 49 yards out or closer. The Seahawks will roll with veteran Ryan Longwell against the Falcons this week.

Longwell, 38, has generated zero interest since being released by the Vikings in May after he made 22-of-28 attempts in 2011. Rackers, 36, lost a Redskins camp battle to Billy Cundiff and hasn’t played in 2012. Other kickers are expected to join the two in Seattle. Steven Hauschka is dealing with a calf injury.

He’s retiring as a Packer. Longwell, 39, finished his career with an 83.2 field-goal conversion percentage across 15 NFL seasons, nine in Green Bay and the final six in Minnesota. Although Longwell never made a Pro Bowl, he’s currently 13th all-time in field goals made as well as 13th in total scoring. Longwell retires as the all-time leading scorer in Packers franchise history.

He has missed just one FG try this season and is tied with Joe Nedney and Ryan Longwell for the NFL lead with ten three-pointers, including a pair from 50+. Scobee’s numbers should only rise as the Jags’ offense gets healthy.

This one was a no-brainer. Longwell would have been a threat to walk had the Vikes not paid the bonus by March 7. Instead they’ll retain one of the most reliable kickers in the league.