Two reports from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport less than 24 hours apart dealt with two different Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks:
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
With the March looming and some murkiness around #Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater’s contract, he is expected to be a free agent, sources say. Minnesota is not planning to assert that his contract tolls and Bridgewater is proceeding as if he’s a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2018
Taken together, this might signal that the Vikings are preparing to find a new quarterback. It could mean that Washington Redskins’ pending free agent Kirk Cousins will be their target.
Minnesota’s quarterback situation is like no other in the NFL this offseason. They have not two, but three quarterbacks with expiring contracts at the same time.
Bridgewater seemed like the franchise QB until he tore his ACL and dislocated his knee in a non-contact injury leading up to the 2016 season. The Vikings traded for Sam Bradford to get by in 2016, but after Bradford suffered an injury in 2017, it was Keenum who stepped in and led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
Bridgewater hasn’t made a start since 2015 and appeared briefly in one game in 2017.
With Bridgewater, Bradford and Keenum all entering free agency, it is possible the Vikings will decide to retain one or more of the group on new deals during the free agency period. But it’s just as possible they view themselves as a leading contender for Cousins, who will be the most sought-after player at any position this offseason.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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