Vikings Kicker Joins Hated Rivals

Josh Frey |

Mar 26, 2024

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings will officially have a new kicker during the 2024 season.

After three seasons in Minnesota, now-former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph has decided to sign with one of the Vikings’ most hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Greg Joseph Signs with Packers

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings — Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) kicks a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph’s agent, Brett Tessler, broke the news by tweeting, “The Green Bay Packers are signing my client Greg Joseph who kicked for the Minnesota Vikings the past 3 seasons. Holds the NFL record for game-winners in a season (5), Vikings record for longest FG (61 yds), & led NFL in TB% in ’21. Had other interest but liked this opportunity.”

Joseph signed with the Vikings back in 2021. Prior to his stint in Minnesota, he spent the 2018 season with the Cleveland Browns, making 17 of his 20 field goal attempts as well as 25 of his 29 extra point attempts. Following that season, he hopped between the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the next two years.

After Minnesota’s debacle with Dan Bailey during the 2020 season, Joseph came in and found great success during the 2021 season. He made 33 of his 38 field goals, including seven of nine from 50+ yards, as well as 36 of his 40 extra points.

Vikings Need Good Greg on Sunday — Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph then saw struggles during the 2022 season, particularly from two very different areas: field goals from 50+ yards and XP attempts. He made just four of his 10 attempts from 50+ yards while missing a league-high six extra points.

Even still, Joseph never cost the Vikings a game with his kicking throughout the year, and he actually was a very clutch kicker. In Week 16 against the New York Giants, he hit a 61-yard game-winner to win the NFC North for the Vikings.

The kicker proceeded to put together a solid season in 2023. He missed just two extra points and made 24 of his 30 field goals. Now, he heads to the Vikings’ rivals and will kick against Minnesota twice during the 2024 season.

Belief in Greg Joseph Has Paid Off — Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) and head coach Kevin O’Connell celebrate the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Luckily, the Vikings may have seen this move coming. They signed former XFLer John Parker Romo earlier in the free agency period, giving them a backup option in case Joseph headed elsewhere. Indeed, he has, and Romo is now in line to be the kicker for the Vikings if they do not bring in any more competition.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Joseph’s deal with Green Bay is worth $1.295 million for the 2024 season.

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.