Should the Packers have interest in Ravens kicker Kaare Vedvik?

In recent years, the idea of the Green Bay Packers trading for a kicker would be laughable. And while it might still be unlikely this summer, it’s at least a possibility.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Kaare Vedvik has been impressing so far this summer. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, at least four teams have shown interest in trading for Vedvik, and two of those teams are from the NFC North.

It’s safe to assume the Chicago Bears are one of those teams, but it’s also likely the Detroit Lions are not interested as they already have one of the league’s best kickers in Matt Prater. That leaves either the Packers or Minnesota Vikings.

Mason Crosby is the most likely to win the job for the Packers this year, but the fact the team even has a training camp battle taking place shows they are open to making a change. Crosby was perfect in the preseason opener against the Texans, as was Sam Ficken.

So, why are teams showing interest in Vedvik?

The 25-year-old kicker converted all six of his kicks in last week’s preseason opener — four field goals and two extra points. Even more impressive was the fact he converted field goals of 55 and 45 yards.

But Vedvik was just as impressive in preseason a year ago, converting eight of his nine field goals and all nine extra-point attempts. His only miss was from 53 yards. Of his eight successful field goals, four were over 40 yards, and his longest was 56 yards.

Trading for Vedvik and cutting Crosby would have some risk. Crosby is experienced in Lambeau Field conditions late in the season, and has been consistent for many years. Vedvik hasn’t got any regular season experience yet.

However, the Packers have a competition at kicker for a reason. If they have any concerns over Crosby’s production in the past two seasons, sending a late-round pick to the Ravens for Vedvik could make sense.

The Packers will get to see Vedvik in action up close when they play against the Ravens this Thursday.