While he wanted to get drafted by the team, Memphis kicker Riley Patterson said it’s still the same opportunity with the Vikings.
Patterson recently talked with Matt Kamp of the Edwardsville Intelligencer about signing with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent. He had high praise for his new NFL team:
“I love their special team’s coach and situation, especially with them being indoors. It’s the best spot I could imagine going to,” Patterson told Kamp.
Patterson also acknowledged the kicker battle that is likely on the way. Greg Joseph was the only kicker on Minnesota’s roster before the draft. Though Joseph has NFL experience, he’s still fairly unproven. Minnesota’s starter from 2020, Dan Bailey, was released this offseason and remains a free agent.
“I’ve been told it’s an open competition between Greg Joseph and me,” Patterson told Kamp. “I’ve heard really good things about Greg and that he’s a really good kicker. It’s going to be a good competition.”
Of the Vikings current undrafted free agency class, Patterson seems one of the more likely to see the field in 2021. If he can impress in training camp, Minnesota might tab the rookie kicker as a starter.
