The Vikings, surprisingly, cut veteran field-goal extraordinaire Ryan Longwell on Monday. Presumably, the team plans to implement Georgia kicker Blair Walsh, drafted in the sixth round last week, in Longwell’s place.

From the Associated Press:

Over just six years with the Vikings, Longwell recorded 633 points, third in franchise history behind kicker Fred Cox and wide receiver Cris Carter.

His 94.4 field-goal percentage over the 2009 and 2010 seasons — 43 of 46 — was the best in the NFL. Including nine years with the Green Bay Packers, Longwell is 13th in NFL history with 1,687 points and fourth on the active list. His career-long 55-yard field goal came on Oct. 14, 2007, to beat the Chicago Bears with no time left.

Longwell was a salary cap casualty waiting to happen. He had three seasons and $7 million left on his contract.