ESPN Has Odd QB Theory for 2024 Vikings
It’s not entirely clear if the endgame would be as a starting quarterback, QB2, or QB3, but ESPN recommended a reunion relationship this week at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
When the offseason arrives in 4 to 6 weeks, the Vikings will have two men under contract at quarterback for next season: Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
ESPN Has Odd QB Theory for 2024 Vikings
Incumbent starter Kirk Cousins could still be extended, but as of December 22nd, the 35-year-old is slated to hit free agency for the first time since 2018.
So, ESPN’s sideways solution? Case Keenum.
Yes, him. In the end, Minnesota will probably re-sign Cousins for a year or two or, conversely, finally draft a rookie quarterback with high-round draft capital. The franchise has done no such thing since 2014 — with Teddy Bridgewater. Don’t tell that to ESPN and Bill Barnwell, though.
“[Kevin] O’Connell was the offensive coordinator in Washington as the Commanders cycled through various options, but the only veterans from that group still left in the league are Case Keenum and Josh Johnson. It seems inevitable that Johnson, the ultimate journeyman, will somehow end up playing for the Vikings before the end of the season,” Barnwell explained in a rather detailed publication about upcoming quarterback movement around the NFL.
Keenum played for the Vikings in one season, a marvelous sprint to the 2017 NFC Championship. Afterward, he took starting jobs in Denver and Washington, unable to rekindle the 2017 Vikings magic.
Barnwell added about Keenum-to-Vikings, “GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spent a significant amount of time in San Francisco, both before and during Jimmy Garoppolo’s time by the Bay. He served as the director of football operations with the Browns while Baker Mayfield was having his best pro season, although Mayfield’s time with Cleveland didn’t exactly end on glorious terms. Keenum was also there as a backup, as was Mullens.”
The theory doesn’t make much sense — for a few reasons. First, Minnesota already employs the aforementioned Mullens and Hall. Adding Keenum to that room would suggest that Mullens, Hall, or Keenum be tabbed as the 2024 QB1 solution, which flatly won’t happen.
Secondarily, should Cousins return in 2024, well, that’s Cousins + Mullens + Hall. Again, no room for Keenum.
Or — if Minnesota drafts a quarterback like Jayden Daniels (LSU) or J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), for example, while not extending Cousins, the QB depth chart would showcase Daniels/McCarthy + Mullens + Hall.
The Keenum reunion angle, as a starter or backup, just doesn’t check many boxes.
That — and the guy isn’t very good. Since leaving the Vikings in 2018, teams led by Keenum are 10-17 (.370).
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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