Former Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph is defecting, intending to sign with the Green Bay Packers, according to his agent.
Brett Tessler said on social media Joseph “had other interest but liked this opportunity.”
Joseph kicked for the Vikings for three seasons, making 82.2% of his field goals.
He was flawless on field goals in the 20-29 yard range, but made just 65.3% of his kicks from beyond 40 yards.
His 61-yard field goal that gave the Vikings a walk-off win over the New York Giants in 2022 is the longest in franchise history.
He also missed 12 extra points in his three years in Minnesota.
Earlier this offseason, the Vikings signed former XFL kicker John Parker Romo.
Romo went 17/19 for the San Antonio Brahmas last season and has spent time on NFL practice squads.
Jefferson, who was the Vikings’ top receiver last year despite playing just 10 games, is entering the final year of a four-year contract in 2024.
Retaining the three-time Pro Bowler will be a top priority for Minnesota this season, and finding the right quarterback for him could go a long way.
Shortly after Cousins signed with the Falcons, the Vikings signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year deal.
The former San Francisco 49er played limited snaps behind Brock Purdy last season but showed promise in his sole start against the Los Angeles Rams when he threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and picked up another touchdown on the ground.
While Darnold could be a viable option, the Vikings might be looking to find their next quarterback in the draft.
Minnesota has the No. 11 and No. 23 picks in the upcoming draft, but could also trade those picks to move up.
Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, who are Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department’s top three quarterbacks, are projected to go within the top three.
Trading up to get into the top three would take a sizeable haul from the Vikings.
They could still land a solid quarterback option like J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix if they move up slightly or hold their current position.
