Report: Vikings Unlikely to Franchise Tag Case Keenum
Sean Borman
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According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to place the franchise tag on Case Keenum. Rapoport’s sources indicated the quarterback is likely to hit free agency.
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, who was signed for $2 million last offseason, is due a substantial pay raise following his breakout 2017 campaign. In 15 games he threw for 22 touchdowns and only seven interceptions while compiling an 11-3 record as a starter. His 3,547 yards, 67.6% completion rate and 98.3 passer rating were all career highs.
Despite Keenum’s production, the Vikings are reportedly willing to let the 29 year-old test the market. Whether the team has plans to offer the quarterback a contract in free agency remains unclear as this time.
While the team awaits the league decision on whether or not he contract of Teddy Bridgewater tolls into next season, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the Vikings’ quarterback situation, including the team possibly landing Kirk Cousins. For now, Kyle Sloter remains the only quarterback under contract.
The deadline for NFL teams to designate franchise or transition tags is next Tuesday, March 6th.