After two years under center, Teddy appeared to be taking the next step in his quarterback development during the 2016 preseason. Until… disaster struck during a late preseason practice. Out of nowhere, news broke that Bridgewater had suffered a knee injury so brutal that not only was his season over, but the moment required fast thinking from then head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman, just to save Teddy B’s leg.

How Case Keenum became the Minnesota Vikings default miracle QB

So on September 3, less than a week after Bridgewater marched up and down the preseason field vs the San Diego Chargers in the Vikings’ third preseason game that year (August 28), then GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer sent a 1st round draft pick tp the Eagles for injury-riddled former No. 1 overall pick, Sam Bradford.

His task? To immediately assume the QB1 role for a playoff caliber MN Vikings team, having arrived in Minnesota just one week prior to the start of the regular season. After two brilliant starts to open the season, Bradford’s body failed him yet again. Enter Case Keenum, who then assumed the QB1 role for the purple.

Unfortunately, the former University of Houston superstar and all-time NCAA career leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions couldn’t help keep the Minnesota Vikings 2016 ship afloat. He went 4-5 in 9 starts and the Vikings missed the playoffs at 8-8. That brings us to 2017, where Keenum cemented himself in Valhalla forever.

Stefon Diggs may be the player everyone remembers from the Minneapolis Miracle. He caught the pass, he stayed in bounds, he ran up the field, threw his helmet, got mobbed… etc. But it was Case Keenum who threw the miracle pass and who got the Vikings into that position on the field in the first place.

Seven years ago today…

A Miracle took place in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/qGPpNPI1yH

— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2025

Keenum was far from a perfect quarterback, as a Viking. He drew 23 total starts over two seasons, including 14 starts as Minnesota’s main starter in 2017, a season in which he threw for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, far and away the best season of his career.

Keenum signs with Chicago Bears for 2025

Unfortunately, Keenum and Minnesota Vikings flopped the next week in Philadelphia, a loss that resulted in the signing of Kirk Cousins and hiring of John DeFilippo a couple months later.

Nonetheless, Case Keenum has remained in the NFL, since leaving the Vikings. He earned one more starting gig in Denver, the next season, and has since been a backup for four different teams. This year, he’ll add a fifth, after quietly signing with the Chicago Bears for one year and up to $3 million on Thursday.

Veteran QB Case Keenum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears, per source. Keenum now will help mentor Caleb Williams in Chicago like he did for CJ Stroud in Houston. pic.twitter.com/4wDG8s3RRT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025

After spending the last two seasons with the Houston Texans, Keenum takes his talents to another roster where he can help mentor a young quarterback, Caleb Williams. Keenum last played an NFL game when he started twice in the place of C.J. Stroud, in 2023.

He completed 64.2% of his passes in those games, to go with just 1 TD and 3 INTs. Last year, Case Keenum suffered a foot injury that placed him on season-ending injured reserve. The $3 million contract from Chicago is the same amount he made last season with the Texans.

Related: Rival Execs Continue to Question Minnesota Vikings Power Structure

It’s a far cry from the $18 million Denver handed him as a starter following his big year in Minnesota. Still, the journeyman is looking at career earnings nearing $60 million, a number nobody needs to be embarrassed by, no matter the profession. Remember, while he may have set a bunch of college records at Houston, he entered the league undrafted in 2011.

Case Keenum: The young QB mentor

In Chicago, Keenum will join Caleb Williams in the Bears QB room, now operated by first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who is coming over from Detroit and is now tasked with getting the best out of the 2024 first overall pick. Having Keenum there to help should make that job easier.

Keenum has become a favorite for teams looking for a veteran QB to help bring along a young franchise QB. For the Cleveland Browns, he worked with Baker Mayfield. In Buffalo, it was Josh Allen. Then, the aforementioned CJ Stroud and now Caleb Williams.

Keenum will now see his former employer twice in 2025, assuming he makes the final squad out of training camp. It will be a nice little reunion for a guy that certainly has fond memories of U.S. Bank Stadium and the Minnesota Vikings organization, as a whole.

Related: Vikings OC Wes Phillips Pleads DWI Down to Careless Driving

While many may recall that moment, it’s important to note that Case Keenum was the quarterback who threw the pass to Stefon Diggs on that iconic play, which I know you already knew.

January 14, 2018: The Minneapolis Miracle. pic.twitter.com/idugmLdL0s

— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) January 14, 2021

Keyshawn Johnson mistakes Case Keenum for Kirk Cousins during Minneapolis Miracle

However, Keyshawn Johnson, a TV personality and former superstar wide receiver turned NFL analyst was seemingly unaware or had forgotten this fact on FS1’s “Undisputed” Friday. While trying to criticize Kirk Cousins for his limited playoff victories, Johnson incorrectly asserted that Cousins was the QB who threw the Minneapolis Miracle into existence.

Whether his gaff was due to a lack of knowledge or just a brain fart, it led to one of the more cringy and embarrassing moments in Johnson’s football career (and that’s saying something). Worse yet, though? Nobody else on the show corrected him…

Whoops. That wasn't Kirk Cousins pic.twitter.com/G2dWdl1GA1

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 16, 2024

“He’s 1-3 lifetime in the postseason and the only win is the, the miracle, the eyes closed by the New Orleans Saints, that’s the only one”

Keyshawn Johnson

It’s quite amusing to see someone who is paid to discuss sports on television get their facts wrong as badly as this. It’s not just Vikings fans who know the players involved in the Minneapolis Miracle.

I’d venture to say that a significant portion of NFL fans know that it was Case Keenum who threw that iconic touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs, before Kirk was brought in that offseason, as the piece to get Minnesota over the hump.

Is Keyshawn mistaking one Vikings playoff win over Saints with another?

Perhaps Johnson intended to reference the playoff game in the 2019-20 season, which does stand as Kirk Cousins’ only playoff win, when the Vikings faced the New Orleans Saints (in NOLA, not Minneapolis).

The play that set up the win.

Kirk Cousins with a DIME to Adam Thielen! 🎯 (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/vMGNGrHowN

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 5, 2020

While it’s the same team involved, it’s kind of classic that Keyshawn would remember Kirk for a lucky miracle heave, instead of the incredible performance he put on in 4th quarter and overtime in January 2020. I mean, his pass to Adam Thielen (above) was one of the most beautiful postseason passes thrown by a QB in Vikings history.

Related: Jason and Travis Kelce Love Vikings Fans and Playing at U.S. Bank Stadium

Then, just in case you (or Keyshawn Johnson) forgot, it was Kirk who threw a perfect 3rd down touch pass into the corner of the endzone to Kyle Rudolph for the win.

YOU LIKE THAT ⁉️

Kirk Cousins and Kyle Rudolph with the walk-off win in OT! (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/JHTwR7BER2

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 5, 2020

Mixing that game up with one of the most iconic miracle moments in NFL playoff history, probably has more to do with Kirk Cousins bias, than anything else. But when trying to spew hate for Kirk Cousins, the football world will reach however deep into their bag of criticisms as necessary… even if said criticisms don’t actually exist.

The numbers are in! How many wins do the number suggest for each team in the NFC North? @PFF_George and @PFF_EricEager break it down:https://t.co/fZwf2Wb3xT pic.twitter.com/yoF5lhojwJ

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) July 5, 2018

At first glance, running into this graphic today, put a nice Thursday smile on my face. After clicking the link and reading the story though, I realized that there’s a lot more shade being thrown at the Vikings in this projection, than there is praise.

At first read, I was getting a little upset (that changed). Why upset you say? The clear answer is a classic case of Minnesota defensiveness. Our ‘why don’t they ever give us any credit’ reflex response to years of being shunned by national media was bursting. Look, there’s a lot in the article that I love. They call Stefon Diggs the “Antonio Brown of the NFC North”. That was nice to read. And, what does that make Adam Thielen??? They also rave about Harrison Smith (how can you not), among other players and other things that compliment the entirety of the Vikings’ roster and why all of the numbers and opinions over at ProFootballFocus.com lead to a Vikings’ NFC North title.

But wow, were there some sentences (and win projections) in this piece that really rubbed me the wrong way. First, they are projecting less wins for the Vikings, compared to last year. ‘C’mon Eric, they had 13 wins last year.’ Save it. PFF is apparently projecting under 9 wins for the Purple and Gold this season (8.78), even though the O/U in Vegas is 10.5 (See picture below). With a healthy Aaron Rodgers all season, 9 wins won’t be good enough for 2nd place in the North. You think those ugly green and yellow ghosts are just going to go away and die after what happened last season. Doubtful.

PFF points to the Vikings’ strength of schedule as one contributing factor to the projected decline in wins (I’ll leave this subject to others because there are a lot of flaws in that stat pre-season). But here is what got me. PFF points to the change at the QB position, and the incoming of Kirk Cousins, as a major player in the decline. Anyone else find that insane for a guy we just paid $85 Million?

See for yourself (Click image for entire article):

There’s also a projection of regression for the Vikings as well, as they break in a new quarterback and the league’s eighth-most-difficult schedule in our rating system.

Looking ahead to next season, there is no one who would logically challenge Rodgers’ atop the NFC North totem pole, especially with Case Keenum now in Denver and Kirk Cousins a Cluster 4 quarterback.

if the Vikings can repeat their generationally-impressive performance in support of their quarterback from 2017, then Cousins should be a good bet to return Keenum-like numbers as a Cluster 2 quarterback.

Now, to lay all cards on the table, I wasn’t the biggest Case Keenum supporter last year; as he was throwing all over unsuspecting defenses and putting up numbers that he hadn’t seen since his time at Houston University. But, to my own defense, I definitely wasn’t calling for the Kirk Cousins contract either.

However, now that we’ve paid Cousins, let’s stop imagining or hoping or praying or whatever, that Case Keenum is on the same level as Captain Kirk is. He’s not. Cousins was paid $85 Million because he’s proven himself in this league. He’s consistently put up numbers that compare with the top-5 in the NFL on a really bad and dysfunctional Washington team. To be strapped with the “leader” title inside of that organization isn’t an easy cross to bare.

Combine a lot of added organizational stability with his relative young age (30 by season start) compared to the other top QB’s in the NFL, and there is a lot of signs that point to the very best of Kirk Cousins’ years being ahead of him. On the contrary, if you can sit in a seat, attached to a lie-detector, and tell me that Case Keenum will be better this season than he was last, without that needle flying off the page…. well, you’ve either figured that machine out or you might want to talk to a doctor.

Maybe it was the positive words about some others on the team as I continued to read, that forced the positive light upon me. But, instead of taking the classic “Minnesota defensive” route, I decided to take the high road instead.

via GIPHY

This is a GOOD thing. Outside of last year’s numbers, which paints a delusional comparison between these two, we all know Kirk Cousins is a much better quarterback than Case Keenum. We loved Case but Kirk will fit balls through tighter windows, take more chances, and put a lot more pressure on defenses to defend against the passing game. You might say Keenum’s decision-making is better but I’d argue that he probably cost the team quite a few big plays last season, not taking more risks. And, his best attribute BY FAR is often more frustrating to his offensive lineman than it is to a defense. That’s his scrambling and ability to avoid the rush and move the pocket. Not knowing where your QB is as an offensive lineman, can be frustrating.

We may never get a moment quite like the “Minneapolis Miracle” again and Case Keenum will forever live in Minnesota immortality for it. But, we are better off now. No matter what PFF’s number machine says. Even if the Vikings don’t make it to 13 wins, the prediction of only getting 8.75 is laughable. Especially when most of your logic points to a position that was improved on, over the offseason.

So anyway…..

Is it Training Camp yet? https://t.co/3GRjrNeXg4

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 27, 2018

Eric Strack

MinnesotaSportsFan.com (@RealMNSportsFan)

With Kirk Cousins set to don the Purple, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, and Teddy Bridgewater’s Viking tenures are officially over. As those three depart for different franchises, Minnesota wasted no time in addressing their need for QB depth:

Broncos and Vikings are finalizing a trade for backup QB Trevor Siemian, as @rapsheet said.

Broncos will send Siemian and a 2018 late-round pick to the Vikings for a pick in 2019 draft, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018

2018 Cap Hit: $2 million

The 26 year-old Siemian has spent his entire career with the Broncos organization. After not throwing a pass his rookie season, the 2015 7th round pick has compiled 30 passing TDs (24 INTs) over the last two years (24 starts).

Trevor Siemian Career Stats:

In regards to QBR, his 2017 number of 29.8 is a shit show. However, his 48.4 from two years ago outshines both Case Keenum’s 2016 (39.4) and 2017 (37.1) totals. In all fairness to the former Viking, his two seasons with the Rams didn’t feature the talented WR combination of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanual Sanders. You’d imagine Keenum’s new (Siemian’s old) teammates are a hell of a lot more effective than that Jeff Fisher coached dumpster fire.

Anywho, the Northwestern Alum will join Kyle Sloter as the Vikings’ reserve gunslingers. With a bona fide starter in place, how will the rest of the QB depth chart shake out? This trade means Trevor Siemian is the bona fide backup right? What about the deep QB draft class? I’ll defer to the much more educated @JReidDraftScout on the topics of QB depth charts and NFL mock drafts:

1. Kirk Cousins
2a. Trevor Siemian
2b. Kyle Sloter

That will most likely be the Vikings depth chart in 2018. Trading for Siemian pretty much rules out MIN from drafting a QB this year.

— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) March 14, 2018

Regardless of how the situation pans out, unlike Keenum’s stint in Minnesota, let’s hope Trevor Siemian’s bench-warming role remains constant. If you’re wondering why that is, which one of the 84,000,0000 (fully guaranteed) reasons do you want first?

via GIPHY

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Updated QB Article : Click Here

For many of us Minnesotan’s, the most madness we’ll experience this week won’t be derived from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Unlike the vast majority of the country, the root cause of our borderline insanity will be, NFL Free Agency induced (or all of the potholes around this state… but that’s another day’s rant).

Welcome to #NFL Free Agency…

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 12, 2018

Technically, Unrestricted Free Agents can’t officially sign with a new franchise until Wednesday. However, those athletes’ certified agents can now legally (*wink, wink*) enter into full-blown contract negotiations.

With that said, even though the Gophers men’s b-ball team is done, let’s dance:

When free agency opens Wednesday, former Vikings’ QB Case Keenum intends to sign with the Denver Broncos, sources tell ESPN.

First QB domino has fallen.

QB race is on.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018

Boom! Unlike the Drew Brees rumors, this one appears to be no-nonsense. As for the terms of Keenum’s new deal, here are the early indications:

Heard from prominent agent Broncos deal is expected to be 2 years for at least $36 million for Case Keenum. Great move by player (betting on self). Great move by team (flexibility to improve rest of roster). #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 13, 2018

Nice! That is much more than the $2 million he made in 2017.

via GIPHY

Get paid, Case. Congratulations.

As for the mentioned Brees rumors, they’re already asleep:

Hearing that Brees will be re-upping with the Saints for 2 years / 48 million. Sorry Vikings fans.

— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) March 13, 2018

In regards to the latest on the all-important Kirk Cousins front; I’ll defer (again) to Schefter:

Kirk Cousins plans to sign a three-year, fully-guaranteed contract from the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, sources tell ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018

With the Vikings regarded as the most talented of Cousins’ possible suitors, a decision to avoid Minnesota would show a mindset that doubles as a suprising poorly-reviewed movie; All About the Benjamins. If the highly coveted gunslinger ends up outside of Minnesota, it’s likely because he took top-dollar elsewhere.

In the event that exact situation occurs, then what do Rick Spielman and company do next?

Report: Bridgewater is ‘backup plan’ if Vikings don’t land Cousins https://t.co/nHeHb3WZ74 pic.twitter.com/by8nv45teU

— 1500 ESPN (@1500ESPN) March 12, 2018

1500 ESPN’s post from above came from a report by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe: Minnesota (during last week’s combine) informed Teddy Bridgewater that they intend to pursue Cousins (shocking, right?). On top of that old news, the Vikings also told the 25 year-old that he “remains a viable backup plan.“

To quickly break this down; it’s important to note that the ESPN report (above Tweet) doesn’t point to Bridgewater as being Minnesota’s only, nor main, “backup plan, but simply “A viable backup plan”. With that nuance documented, where are the reports that the Vikings have given these same indications to Sam Bradford? AJ McCarron? That news is like a healthy Bradford when you need him the most; nowhere to be found. It’s some “Where’s Waldo” on steroids shit.

via GIPHY

If we play the hypothetical game and assume Brees stays in New Orleans, and Minnesota misses on Kirk Cousins, they’ll focus their QB attention on resetting their clocks to Teddy Time. That’s right. The man who I think should be plan A, appears to be the Vikings’ plan B.

As indicated by the earlier March Madness comparison, things around Skol Nation are about to get wild. Just like it was with the tourney, despite all of the predictions, everything can change in the blink of an eye. If you don’t believe me, just ask Cleveland fans:

The new-look Cleveland @Browns! pic.twitter.com/REJTGgxdtG

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2018

***Editor’s NOTE: Things are moving fluidly on the Vikings’ QB front and as I was finishing this edit, this is what happened on the Power Trip Morning Show on KFAN Tuesday morning. Mark Rosen is obviously Minnesota Reporting HOF…….

Mark Rosen source says Vikings to sign Kirk Cousins for $28M per year. Says he trusts the source, but can’t “iron clad confirm it”. @WCCORosen #vikings

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) March 13, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

When it comes to news regarding the Vikings’ 2018 starting QB, this week has been more wild than our state’s professional hockey team.

• No Franchise Tag for Case Keenum
• Highly Interested in Kirk Cousins
• Teddy Bridgewater’s contract will not toll

Who Minnesota has under center, to begin next season, could end up defining Rick Spielman’s career. No pressure, my man. Naturally, the trickle-down effect of what the Purple’s GM decides, will largely impact our head football coach, Mike Zimmer.

On Tuesday, Zimmer was with all of his media friends at the Underwear Olympics in Indianapolis (AKA – NFL Combine), where he had some interesting comments regarding his teams’ most important position:

Mike Zimmer, in stressing the importance of maintaining a strong team with QB free agency looming. “We don’t want to go crazy. … (But) if you pick the wrong one, this whole thing could go down quick.”

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 1, 2018

The 61 year-old also discussed how the Vikings have won “40 games in the past four years” and have done so by being “pretty good on defense for the most part.”

The Vikings are a complete 180 from the team they were, less than a handful of years ago. When the long-time Bengals’ defensive coordinator was appointed as Minnesota’s HC (January, 2014), the Vikings were coming off of a 2013 season, where they finished last in the NFC North. In addition, Skol Nation had just painfully battled through 16 games of cheering for a team with the leagues’ worst defense.

That year’s Week 16 final-score makes sense:

In that game, Andy Dalton ripped us for 363 passing yards (4 TDs, 0 INTs) & Mike Zimmer’s Bengals defense held us to 7 points per half. Last year, we beat the Bengals 34-7 and limited the Red Rocket to 113 passing yards (0 TDs, 2 INTs).

“Started from the bottom, now we’re here.”

How much of the transformation, over the past four seasons should be attributed to Zimmer, is up for debate.

I view it as a combination of the defensively minded guru and the intelligent front office decisions. Regardless of Rick Spielman, George Paton, and others assisting; many members of Skol Nation (including myself) have adopted the mindset “In Zim We Trust.“

via GIPHY

If that’s the adage we’ve gone with, then let’s stick to it:

So, what did our fearless leader mean by Thursday’s comments? Well, I think it’s clear the 2017 runner-up for NFL Coach of the Year isn’t drinking the “Let’s Sign Kirk Cousins at ~$30M” juice.

When digesting what his statements mean for Keenum, Bridgewater, and Bradford’s futures, those implications aren’t as clear-cut as the ones surrounding Cousins. Judging on what I’ve seen from Mike Zimmer, if it were his decision, he would set all clocks around Vikings’ Team facilities to Teddy-Time.

If you look at all the factors; from our head coach’s lack of commitment to Case in 2017 and Teddy’s discounted price in comparison, all the way to Sam Bradford’s ‘degenerative’ knees and, everything in-between, there are signs everywhere that Teddy-Time is upon us.

Zimmer calls Bradford’s knee ‘degenerative’ https://t.co/8IF2qmOCGj

— Rotoworld Football (@Rotoworld_FB) March 1, 2018

To ice the cake on my opinion:

I hope it is too, coach Zimmer. Because, I want what you want; and I believe you want Teddy.

#InZimWeTrust

Since January, when I initially declared Teddy as “the guy”, we now know a hell of lot more information about how much money these QBs, Captain Kirk in particular, will command on the free market.

It’s pretty well-known now, that signing Cousins to the HUGE long-term deal he is rumored to be offered, hinders the chances of doing the same with Stefon Diggs, Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Danielle Hunter, and/or Tre Waynes. That’s scary. 

To try and grasp the $$$ difference we are talking, between Cousins and Bridgewater, let’s take a different approach:

I’ll assume the discrepancy between Kirk and Teddy’s salaries in 2018 is $18 million (Approx. $28 million for Cousins – Approx. $10M for Teddy, if brought on as your starter). What kind of value does that get you in today’s NFL?

Let’s use Harrison Smith and Linval Joseph’s CURRENT contracts ($18.05 million), even though they aren’t coming due. I just want to illustrate what kind of value approximately $18 million can have in today’s league (use $14M if you want to be conservative).

18 MILLION NFL SALARY CAP DOLLARS = 2 TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS (Harrison Smith + Linval Joseph Caliber)

Is Kirk Cousins over Teddy worth those two players, if Bridgewater comes back as the player he was before the injury? (And, it sure seems like his teammates and coaches believe he can.)

Since Mike Zimmer didn’t just come flat-out and say it, I will.

via GIPHY

NO. KIRK COUSINS IN NOT WORTH THAT. 

The Minnesota Vikings’ best option is to sign Teddy Bridgewater (2 year deal w/option), draft a QB, and anoint TEDDY as their 2018 starter. Acquiring Kirk Cousins is putting too many eggs in next season’s proverbial basket.

The last thing I want is to be sitting here in a few years, with a sub-par roster, because of our overpaid QB. Gross. Let’s leave that shit to the Detroit Lions.

Matthew Stafford’s Contract:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Another year gone and another typical MN heartache.

It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From unbelievable miracle-type belief to the catastrophic embarrassment of another NFC Championship heartache loss. I’m sure we’ve all been conditioned and are educated on the unrelenting pain and forgiving nature it takes to be a true Viking’s fan. Not only do we expect to be disappointed; but, in some capacity, we’ve learned to embrace it and turn the other cheek. Well, it’s time to refocus that belief as we look forward to how we can make this team better in 2018-19.

Luckily, the new year begins right away, with no delay. Not only are trades being made already but, the NFL combine is fast approaching. This leaves me thinking about the biggest positions of need for our Vikings. Which team upgrades would benefit the team the most?

Historically, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the risk-taking Rick Spielman has displayed — making trades to move up in the draft, taking chances (some bad), and a willingness to make moves after key injuries, to re-instill hope in the team and fan base. But, don’t get it mistaken, he’s had his share of head-scratchers as well. But, that’s impossible to avoid. I know one thing: I trust our front office and that’s one thing I haven’t had in decades prior. They do whatever it takes to compete at a high level and be successful. That hasn’t always been a given around this town.

The NFL combine is fast approaching and there are plenty of DEPTH holes that need upgrades. But the key word is DEPTH. We have a very young nucleus and all, but a few spots, are under contract for next year. That’s a VERY nice thing to have, and another testament to Spielman’s solid tenure. Not to mention upwards of 50 million dollars in cap space. Of course, the quarterback position could take half of that money away very quickly (depending on which route they go) but we are still in a very nice situation to repeat success. #1 defense, improved OL, and a great running-game returning (including Dalvin Cook).

We know how Brandon and Eric feel about spending large amounts of money on any of the QB’s available this offseason:

Ok, enough kneeling at the feet of Rick Spielman. Let’s talk about the positional upgrades we need in the upcoming NFL draft to help build towards a potential trip to Atlanta.:

#1: QB:

Ok, this will probably have a short-term solution (unless we splurge on Cousins) before the draft, but it still remains the #1 need (seems to never change). Whether it’s Teddy via Toll Rule/”prove it” type deal, a franchise tag/extension for Case Keenum, an unexpected trade, or a top-dollar free agent, this is the UNDISPUTED #1 need. Personally, I would do a prove it deal with Teddy and take a shot that he still has it. It allows us to sign long-term contracts to guys like Barr, Hunter, Kendricks, Waynes, and Diggs. It also allows for a really serious look at this DEEP quarterback draft class, with the opportunity to develop your future franchise QB while still building for the future with respectable, doable, contracts until “that guy” hopefully emerges. This is no disrespect to Keenum or Cousins. I just like the flexibility of this route.

#2: CB:

This has been a weak spot for Spielman in past drafts. Of course, Rhodes is an exception to the rule and Waynes has shown promise lately. However, Trae Waynes has under-produced to his draft status, McKenzie Alexander has been underwhelming, and the old-man crutch that is Terrence Newman better be done now that he is 67 years-old (or not).

Zimmer and Spielman like gifted athletes, and although that can be very beneficial, some gifted athletes just don’t know how to cover. This makes me a little nervous to ask for another CB (we could’ve had Peters). But, we need one and I hope he can get it right. I mean why not have both sides of the road closed permanently, if we can? This is one of our biggest needs for success going forward. With the love Coach Zimmer has for cornerbacks, it’s a given he looks to improve this position and I’d expect it early in this year’s draft, especially if he doesn’t asses it in Free Agency.

#3 OL:

OL still sits at number 3 on my list even though it has improved from years prior and even overachieved our expectations in 2017. This is one area that seems to be predictable with Spielman. Usually, we stay away from OL in the early rounds of the draft. I don’t blame him one bit, here. You can find VERY nice offensive lineman in the third+ rounds. Plus, look what happened the last time we went big on an early O-lineman…

It’d be nice to find an offensive guard, we may very well need, in the mid-rounds. Of course, this is another position that can be fixed in free agency before the draft, but those usually come with a hefty price tag, and you can never have enough good offensive lineman to keep the train rolling. Especially, with previous injuries in that area, not to mention the toll it takes on the body, playing OL in the NFL.

#4 DL:

When I say defensive line, I’m more-so talking defensive tackle with question marks surrounding Sharrif Floyd along with pending free agent Tom Johnson. But, with Brian Robison possibly retiring, we could use depth at both DT and DE. Like OL, the trenches take a toll on a man’s body. And, added depth is the answer for that. Also, Spielman loves to pick athletic specimen for his D-line and I totally trust his judgement in this area.

#5 WR:

Yes, this is one area I start to question Rick Spielman. His best drafted wide receiver was Stefon Diggs in the fifth round and it was a great pick. However, his two reaches at WR in the first round (Patterson and Treadwell) have underwhelmed and disappointed. Either he’s getting bad information, or he needs to reevaluate his scouting in this area. We all love good defense with a great running game but we don’t want to fall back into the one-dimensional AP days. We have a great one-two punch with Thielen and Diggs. But after that, it gets shaky. And God forbid one of them gets injured. Let’s find a solution to this so the one-two punch turns into a fearsome threesome. And preferably a big bodied, over the top, scary M-fer.

• Honorable mention – Safety:
  I’m not going to go much into detail here; just that this area is also on my mind. It would be nice to find another scary freak to go along Harry The Hitman. Sendejo is fine, but just not the answer.

Brian Hanson
Minnesota Sports Fan
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

First:

Vikings are hiring former Eagles’ QB coach John DeFilippo as their OC, per source.

Super Bowl brain drain underway in Philadelphia.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2018

Me:

Then:

Fantastic. Let him pick his QB and let’s roll #Vikings https://t.co/cRzbPkoagz

— Dane Mosher (@DaneMosher7) February 9, 2018

Me:

Dane hit this hip-fired take directly on the head. Seeing the Vikings jump on DeFilippo so quickly was a bit surprising, but now that they have the guy they wanted so badly, it’s time for him to pick his QB so we can get his ship rolling toward 2018-19.

Apparently John Defillippo left quite the impression on the SKOL front office, after the beatdown he helped deliver in the NFC Championship game, because they were bound and determined to make this signing. After staying very patient and interviewing many different candidates, including highly thought of in-house guy, Kevin Stefanski (who it now looks like will sign with Pat Shurmur in New York, according to ProFootballTalk.com), the Vikings were chomping at the bit to talk to DeFilippo, who was just granted permission to talk with other teams today.

So all on Thursday, the former Eagles QB Coach is granted permission to interview with other teams, then interviews with the Vikings, who then immediately signs him before anyone else gets a shot… Now, that’s what you call a day. Oh, and PFT is reporting Stefanski will now be a Giant…

So, what now? Well, let’s get to some REAL decisions, eh? Offensive Coordinator was a huge spot to fill. But now, DeFilippo will be the key to making the decision that’ll likely dictate the success of his stint with his new team.

Does he stay in-house and run with Keenum, Teddy or even Bradford? Or, does he go for the proverbial jugular and jump on Kirk Cousins, who is demanding the big bucks? No matter what he does, and I’d imagine he’ll have the final say at QB (though I’d expect he and Zimmer/Spielman are already on the same page). His decision will dictate whether this talented team ever reaches its full potential.

With most of the Vikings heading into their prime or already in the middle of it, the team is built to win now. But, making the right decision at quarterback will likely dictate how far that dream really floats.

Again, Zimmer and Spielman seemed eager to lock-up DeFilippo. I hope they’re right.

Eric Strack (Founder/Editor)
Minnesota Sports Fan
MinnesotaSportsFan.com @RealMNSportsFan

Dear Major League Baseball: Take notes. While your free agency period has started out slower than your pace of play, the NBA and NFL are out here making moves. The day after the Los Angeles Clippers traded 5x All-Star Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons, America’s most popular sports league completed a blockbuster transaction of their own.

BREAKING VIA @terezpaylor: #Chiefs trade Alex Smith to Washington, saving $17 million. https://t.co/eyDHEfKI1D

— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) January 31, 2018

With the departure of Smith, KC will now hand their offensive reigns over to gunslinging 2017 first-round draft pick, Patrick Mahomes. On top of saving $17 million with the QB swap, in return for the Utah Alum, the Chiefs will receive a third round draft and Kendall Fuller. A cornerback, Fuller is considered a “bonafide starter.”

As for Washington, first and foremost, that’s a wrap on the Kirk Cousins tenure. It is assured that the free agent quarterback will move onto his second NFL team. With Cousins destined for an approximate $120 million payday, the Daniel Snyder-owned organization decided to save some money (kind of) by trading for, and then extending, Alex Smith to a 4 year deal that will average $23.5 million annually.

Remember – Dan Snyder wouldn’t entertain 5-yr/$40M deal Scot McCloughan wanted offer Cousins when he became starter. Would still be signed..

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 31, 2018

Whoops!

In conclusion, most Washington fans seem to feel like they just got punched in their beer bellies. Unfortunately for them, this isn’t those folks’ first rodeo. Questionable quarterback moves are par for that franchise’s course. In 2010 they traded for a well past his prime, Donavon McNabb. The couple of picks they departed with in that maneuver were nothing compared to the still lingering 2012 NFL Draft Scenario:

Some how…Some way…they will blame this on me. No doubt ??‍♂️

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 31, 2018

Now, what does this mean for the Vikings? Well, let’s just get out our nice little quarterback’s list from last week, when I laid out the options for the Vikings heading into the offseason:

• 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.

Well, it’s one option off of the list. Some would say the best option. Alex Smith probably wasn’t the guy in the cape that we SKOL fans are waiting for. He probably wasn’t the prince to gently kiss Minnesota on the lips, awakening us from our coma of average quarterbacks that can’t lead us to the promise land.

However, he was a very good option for what the purple have to choose from. Alex Smith was the happy-medium that some fans were looking for. He provided the experience and has the reputation for exactly what Zimmer looks for in a QB. He is cautious but can make plays, when called upon. He isn’t 40 but he isn’t 26 and coming off of a knee injury either. Nonetheless, I’m also not paying an average QB for the next 5 years at a ridiculous amount like Washington just di either.

So, we are writing Alex Smith’s ass off our list. We’re moving on.

Things are a little clearer today than they were yesterday. Unless another option comes flying through the proverbial window, we are down to 4 guys. Keenum is the guy who overachieved last year but you just aren’t sure that will continue, especially with Shurmur gone.

Bradford is the guy Zimmer would like to have, if his knees weren’t rotting away worse than the pumpkins still remaining in the patch after Halloween. And Teddy… well we all love Teddy. But, the thought of throwing a Super Bowl-caliber team on his shoulders when he hasn’t played in essentially 2 years is a scary thought. We have no idea where his development will be after those two seasons.

And don’t sign Kirk Cousins. I wish I could cross that shit off right now. It should say something that Washington refused to commit to him for 3 years but then turned around and put a 5-year wedding ring on a chick who might prove to be uglier when it is all said and done. Cousins is a good quarterback but he isn’t worth the $25M+ someone will pay him.

So, we’ll wait. No state better at that than this one….

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN &
Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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