The Viking Age
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Changes are coming to the Minnesota Vikings’ offense in 2018

By Tyler Haag

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur in the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur in the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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As the Minnesota Vikings wrap up the 2017 regular season and prepare for a deep playoff run, a number of big changes could be happening to the team on offense this offseason.

Let’s face it, current Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will most likely be a head coach somewhere in 2018. There are always head coaching changes in the NFL and this offseason will be no different.

Coming off of this year’s success with career-backup quarterback Case Keenum and previous head coaching experience, Shurmur figures to be near the top of most team’s wish lists. Assuming he leaves, it might be the biggest loss for the Vikings this offseason.

Shurmur is a top-notch offensive coordinator and seems primed for a successful head coaching run. Keep in mind, in his first go-round as a head coach, he won nine games in two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, whose current head coach is 1-30.

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Case Keenum
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Case Keenum /

We know quarterback is the most important position on the field and yet Keenum, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater are all set to hit the open market this offseason.

Bradford’s knee has left him labeled damaged goods and teams spending big for his services next year seems unlikely. After playing in 15 games in 2016, he has been an afterthought this season, spending most of it on injured reserve.

Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings /

Minnesota Vikings

The price tag might match what the Vikings are looking for but is it possible the Vikings have seen enough of Bradford already and move on?

This league is so quarterback starved that players like Mike Glennon are getting life changing contracts and 38-year-old Josh McCown is starting for the New York Jets.  Keenum has played his way into a $15-$20 Million contract next season and Minnesota may not be willing to spend that kind of money.

Do the Vikings think that Keenum owes a large part of his success to Shurmur?

Its obvious that Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer thinks very highly of Bridgewater and given the (obvious) injury history there, most teams may seek to spend their money on other options at quarterback, leaving a Zimmer/Bridgewater reunion a likely possibility this offseason. If he re-signs, would Teddy be the unquestioned starter?

Next: Chances are high the Vikings will get a playoff bye

There are so many questions yet to be answered but it seems safe to assume that the Vikings’ offense will look much different in 2018.

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