Bailey: 'I wanted to go somewhere that had opportunity to win'

EAGAN, Minn. (KMSP) - Newly signed Minnesota Vikings kicker Dan Bailey says he choose to sign with the team because he wanted to go somewhere where he could win. 

The Vikings signed Bailey to the squad Tuesday after releasing rookie Daniel Carlson, who missed three field goals in Sunday’s tie against the Green Bay Packers, including two in overtime. 

Bailey, who is in his eighth season in the NFL, was released from the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 1. He is the second most accurate kicker in NFL history, having made 88.2 percent of his field goal attempts. 

“I spent seven years in Dallas and, you know, it was at this point in my career, I’m still young—or I like to think I’m young, and if it was possible I wanted to go somewhere that had the opportunity to win and be a part of an organization that’s right there and right on the brink of having a lot of success,” Bailey told reporters after his first practice with the team Wednesday. 

Bailey said the Vikings “fit the bill perfectly.” 

“Just the ‘win now’ mentality,” Bailey said. “The guys in the locker room have been great. It’s really a great locker room so it was kind of an easy decision for me.” 

Bailey will make his debut with the Vikings when they host the Buffalo Bills at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday. Kickoff is at noon.