The Minnesota Vikings arguably have more decisions to make at the quarterback position this offseason than any other team, and they have apparently already made one difficult one.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the Vikings have decided they will not franchise tag Case Keenum.
The #Vikings are not expected to franchise tag QB Case Keenum and he’s slated to hit free agency, per sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking. Barring a change of heart, Minnesota joins the fray for a starting QB… and will make these next few weeks fascinating.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2018
Keenum is one of three quarterbacks who were on Minnesota’s roster last season who are set to become free agents. The other two are Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. Of the three, Bradford seems like the most certain to not be back. The Vikings invested a first-round pick in Bridgewater just four years ago, but his health may always be a question mark after he missed an entire season with a devastating knee injury.
What Keenum did for the Vikings in 2017 is undeniable, as his steady play helped guide them to the NFC Championship Game after Bradford went down early on in the year. However, they may feel that he isn’t worth the salary he is going to command on the open market or the roughly $24 million the franchise tag would cost. Plus, Minnesota is said to be the preferred destination for the top free agent QB who will be available. That could play the biggest role in their decision.
