RUMOR: Vikings view Case Keenum as nothing more than a backup
By Adam Patrick
Some information on how the Minnesota Vikings currently feel about the quarterback may reveal his chances of returning to the team in 2018.
2017 was a year to remember for Case Keenum. He wasn’t expected to do much other than be the backup quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings behind Sam Bradford.
But things quickly changed after Bradford suffered an injury during the Vikings’ Week 1 win. Keenum was thrust into Minnesota’s starting lineup and the rest is history.
As he helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship, the quarterback set new single-season career-highs in wins, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Keenum also threw the pass during the “Minneapolis Miracle” play that will be talked about for as long as the NFL exists.
He is scheduled to be a free-agent this year and Minnesota has only one quarterback (Kyle Sloter) under contract for 2018. So will the Vikings attempt to re-sign Keenum this offseason?
According to recent rumor, it doesn’t sound like Minnesota wants the quarterback to be their starter in 2018.
Spoke w/ Friend on Vikings staff... Mentioned while he ain’t privy to higher up decisions a quote that’s stuck when Zimm stated in presser Bradford threw the ball better. Also said believes staff views Keenum as leader of men but ultimately a backup who had a magical run.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 22, 2018
Based on Keenum’s production in previous seasons before joining the Vikings in 2017, it’s not a surprise that Minnesota could possibly feel this way about the quarterback.
This does not necessarily mean that the Vikings don’t want Keenum back for next season. But if the price tag to retain the quarterback is as steep as most are saying it will be, Minnesota will probably let some other team take a chance on him.
Next: Where will Case Keenum end up in 2018?
If Keenum does end up going elsewhere in 2018, at least his time with the Vikings will be remembered fondly.