New Minnesota Vikings quarterback is ‘ready to come in and compete’

zSep 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of a NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
zSep 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of a NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the Minnesota Vikings only signing him to a one-year contract, Case Keenum is excited about his opportunity for 2017.

The Minnesota Vikings confirmed previous reports and officially announced the signing of free-agent quarterback Case Keenum on Tuesday. Minnesota only signed him to a one-year deal, but he is expected to come in and challenge for the team’s backup quarterback spot for the 2017 season.

At 29-years-old, Keenum is getting to the point in his NFL career where his dreams of being a starter are beginning to dwindle. But the quarterback seems fine with that, as long as he gets to help his team achieve success in some sort of way.

"“My personal goal on any team I’m on is to make that team better. Whatever role is required of me, I’m ready to come in and compete. I’ll learn the offense as quickly as I can and focus on making this team better.”– Case Keenum"

He is already saying the right things, calling the Vikings a, “a first-class team,” saying Sam Bradford is, “a heck of an athlete,” and stating that he will, “be the best teammate, best player and best quarterback (he) can be,” in 2017.

It is wonderful to hear a new player come out and say how excited he is to sign with Minnesota, but there is a chance that he may not even be on the Vikings’ roster at the start of next season.

Next: Is Mackensie Alexander ready to start?

Fellow quarterback Taylor Heinicke will also be attempting to land the role of team’s 2017 backup and the loser of this offseason battle could be shown the door as a result.