Johnny Minnesota On Vikings’ QB Options: It’s Time for …

To members of Skol Nation who are proponents of the “Instead of choosing between Keenum, Bridgewater, and Bradford, let’s resign a combination of two of them” mindsets, I appreciate the creativity. Despite indications showing that’s not going to happen, there’s not a damn thing wrong with your optimism.

With that being said, the odds that the Vikings go about finding their 2018 starting quarterback in a manner outside of the options listed below are slim to none, with the information we currently have.

Question: How should Minnesota handle their QB situation this offseason?

Answer:

• A) Resign or Franchise Tag Case Keenum & make him the starter.
• B) Resign Teddy Bridgewater & make him the starter.
• C) Resign Sam Bradford & make him the starter.
• D) Sign Kirk Cousins & make him the starter.
• E) Trade for Alex Smith & make him the starter.

In my opinion, and most others, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. Rather than handle the above inquiry like it’s high school (just choose “C” and move on), I’m going to work to reach what I consider the best estimate. This topic is a hell of a lot more important than any of my Chemistry Labs.

Actually, in rare fashion, let’s eliminate “C” immediately. Sorry Sammy Sleeves’ fans, but this is business. Like Teddy Bridgewater, there are concerns surrounding the health of Bradford’s knee. Unlike Bridgewater, the former Rams and Eagles’ QB’s recent issues were caused simply by wear and tear.

This fall, regardless of who starts Week 1, the Purple will have very real Super Bowl aspirations. If it’s the Oklahoma alum under center, can he sustain an entire seasons worth of wear and tear without flying to Florida to visit Dr. James Andrews? How much can he take until he has to have it cleaned up again? The way I see it, Sam Bradford’s knee is too weak to carry the weight of Skol Nation.

To address the worries surrounding Bridgewater’s health, that situation is entirely different. Albeit horrific, Teddy 2 Gloves has had just ONE knee injury throughout his NFL career. Sammy Boy missing time is a recurring theme. That shit is almost habitual. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me three/four times, I’m a jackass.

Now that Bradford is eliminated, and Teddy’s health has been addressed, let’s move on to the four remaining candidates: Bridgewater, Case Keenum, Alex Smith, and Kirk Cousins.

As for the former Michigan State Spartan, Cousins is expected to draw a long-term, big-money deal this offseason. Investing in him means investing in a 29 year-old QB who has digressed in EACH of his last two seasons.

I do not like that. F*ck no. I’m out on, Kirk.

Due to Keenum’s late season struggles, and uncertainties surrounding how much of his success can be attributed to Pat Shurmur’s scheme, I don’t consider him proven enough to warrant a long-term deal. However, rather than trade an asset away to acquire Alex Smith, I’d much prefer we slap the franchise tag on Case, if we are looking to spend $20 million.

The projected amount of going the franchise tag route is $23.55 million. In comparison, the Chiefs 2017 QB has a $20.6M cap hit next season. Coming off of his fifth season in Kansas City, the 33 year-old Smith finished the year with a lower QBR than the four-year younger Keenum in 2017. With Andy Reid as his coach, a now promoted OC of his own, and playmakers like Kareem Hunt, Tyreke Hill, and Travis Kelce surrounding him, he had just as good, if not a better situation to succeed in 2017 as did Case Keenum.

• A) Resign or Franchise Tag Case Keenum & make him the starter.
• B) Resign Teddy Bridgewater & make him the starter.
• C) Resign Sam Bradford & make him the starter.
• D) Sign Kirk Cousins & make him the starter.
• E) Trade for Alex Smith & make him the starter.

Alright…. so we are down to 2. 

Prior to 2017, Keenum had been in the league for five seasons. After getting no game-time his rookie year, he has ACTUALLY played for two different franchises in a four-year span. Not once in those four seasons was his QBR higher than what Teddy achieved in EITHER of his first two NFL campaigns.

There is an argument being made that Case just needed his opportunity in an improved system. The concept is that once he got that chance in 2017, he was able to finally showcase his abilities. On the opposite side of that fence, personally, I’m curious to see what the Louisville alum could do in an improved system. Keenum’s time with the Purple has been with a now promoted OC, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and the best 3rd down defense in 25 years. In 2014 Bridgewater’s leading receivers were (a WAY past his prime) Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright, and Charles Johnson. As for 2015, it was a rookie Diggs, Wright, and Kyle Rudolph. In both of those seasons, the Bridgewater-led offense was at the mercy of then OC, Norv Turner.

Panthers going after Norv Turner. You can’t spell TURNOVER without Norv Turner

— Vikings Memes (@SkolMemes) January 9, 2018

Teddy has voiced his desire, whether it’s in Minnesota or someone else, to be a starter. Let’s make it Minnesota. Due to the concern about his knee, teams don’t seem willing to offer him any sort of long-term deal. With little to no competition on that realm, for a lot CHEAPER than the other options, whether they decide to “toll” him or not, the Vikings should lock up Bridgewater for a one-year deal. Give Mr. 2 Gloves the keys to the car. The proverbial engine on this vehicle, which includes both the vast improved Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, is a souped of version of what he was driving during his first two NFL seasons.

According to my watch, it’s Teddy Time.

• A) Resign or Franchise Tag Case Keenum & make him the starter.
• B) Resign Teddy Bridgewater & make him the starter.
• C) Resign Sam Bradford & make him the starter.
• D) Sign Kirk Cousins & make him the starter.
• E) Trade for Alex Smith & make him the starter.

#SKOL

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com