The Vikings 2017 campaign ended in disappointment after they were blown out in the NFC Championship game at the hands of the Eagles. Now as the team enters the offseason, they face the very unique challenge of having all three of the quarterbacks on their roster entering free agency at the same time. Michael Rand of the Star Tribune talked to both Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater as the team moved their stuff out of the locker room on Monday afternoon.
Keenum, who turns 30 in February, put together a surprisingly productive season after he spent much of his career as a backup. There were rumors that Keenum could be franchised tagged coming off of their miracle finish against the Saints, but that may now put put to rest given the offense’s performance this past weekend. Nevertheless, Keenum told reporters that he would love to come back to Minnesota next season because of the connection he feels to the franchise and the city.
I love this team,” said Keenum. “I love these guys. Love the coaching staff. I love this whole organization. … The culture they have around here is just awesome. Minnesota itself, the people here have been great.”
On the other hand, Bridgewater completed the major accomplishment of working his way back to becoming active after his scary leg injury that he suffered in training camp prior to the start of the 2016 season. Bridgewater told reporters that he understood why the Vikings played things the way they did.
“In a perfect world, I would have loved to have been dressing, but I understand decisions are made to give this team the best chance to win,” said Bridgewater. “I understand that and I’m a pro. I know what it takes. It happened, and I dealt with it.”
But not that he’s healthy, the 25-year-old added that he “definitely, without a question” is capable of being a team’s top signal caller.
Rand notes that Bridgewater and Sam Bradford have real injury questions, which makes Keenum the likely pick of the front office out of three options. However, he does add that it’s entirely within reason that the Vikings could go outside of the organization and sign a guy like Kirk Cousins to solidify the position moving forward.
Since what I think matters, I vote Cousins 100%
This team is too good to potentially waste not finding the best qb possible. Splash the cash for somebody that is consistently great
Cousins is who I want, totally disrespected by the Skins, he’d be beloved in Minnesota.
Bridgewater was never as good as Keenum was this season. Granted he was young and still is young and can develop. I would franchise tag Keemun. And keep around bridgewater in case of injury. Either way I think Bradford should go unless he’s willing to be a backup
Go with bradford
Sign all 3. Then you have a chance to have a healthy QB for all 16 games.
Keenum and draft a rookie.
I think this is the best option too
Brett Farve, go with him.
All three stink
I’m kind of thinking (d). = None of the above.
I have no idea on the medical reports on each one. BUT
Bridgewater is so slight in the hips and legs, he could be one hit away from being out of football all together.
Bradford is a walking, talking IR list in that he has been injured so many times. HUGE letdown this year. Never heard exactly how we went from waiting week to week for him to get over his sore knee to him having surgery in early November. IF you commit to him, better have some real OL Studs to protect him, because he ain’t moving around alot.
Keenum just flourished from having the same OC for his time with the Vikes and Rams. Now that the OC is gone, Chase’s magic might just have left with him.
Bradford is the best of the 3 but can’t stay healthy…..bridgewater too risky with that blown out knee and his strength is mobility which is now a giant ? Keenum is a career backup that had a good year but isn’t long term answer at qb. However you resign him and go from there….possibly draft a q.b if one falls that far in first round.
If the team feels there is a better option out there then by all means go for it. You always want the best product on the field. If that means let Case go out and get a feel for what’s out there then go ahead. If the other two can’t take a one year show me deal then let them walk. Maybe they get Alex Smith or Eli if he goes. Always want the best product.
Whatever you do, you have to upgrade the OL. I’m much happier with Reiff at RT than LT.
Oline seems like biggest need regardless.
Cousins. All the way. Keenum regressed a lot from Week 11 on as teams had more tape on him. They should’ve started Bradford the moment he was healthy enough to play. He torched the Saints in Week 1 & if his knee wasn’t bone on bone, he’d be making 30 mil a year. Teddy is beloved but unless he’s willing to take a 1 or 2 year deal at less than 15 mil per, let him explore options. Miami would love him to possibly supplant Tannehill & he’s from Miami. Bradford will take a 1 yr desk with Denver or AZ or NYJ. Somewhere with a relative chance to win & show he can stay healthy. Keenum can SMD. Go for Cousins. We have the cap space. We have an attractive destination. Elite D, elite weapons, improving line & brand new stadium.