Case Keenum Leaving Vikings For a Two-Year Deal With the Broncos
With just a few more hours left before the National Football League franchises had a chance to sign contracts with players heading to the free agency, reports have it that quarterback Case Keenum is leaving the Minnesota Vikings to sign with the Denver Broncos.
NFL teams had until 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, March 14, to convince their star players who are off to the free agency with no limits to stay, and this includes Keenum and the Vikings. Note that the same schedule applies as the expiration period for all player contracts that are only effective up to the 2017 NFL season.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will now be facing a major QB dilemma with Keenum heading to the Broncos for the upcoming season. DenverBroncos.com reported Wednesday that Keenum was indeed signing a two-year deal with the Broncos.
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"Case is a great fit for us," Broncos General Manager John Elway said according to the site. "He's coming off a tremendous season last year and has obviously been through a lot of situations throughout his entire career. Along with that experience, his leadership and competitiveness are what you look for in a quarterback. Case has fought and battled for everything that he's earned in the NFL, and it's exciting to add someone with that type of mentality to our team."
Though any new contracts can only be finalized after Wednesday beyond 4 p.m. EDT, clubs were allowed to inquire on player availabilities through certified agents since Monday.
So it seems the Broncos were able to lure Keenum, which now poses an issue for the Vikings, especially if they fail to score a deal with other star QBs heading to the free agency. The team made it to the playoffs in the 2017 season, and 3,547 yards passing and 22 touchdowns have obviously contributed to that.
Other than Keenum, the Denver front office has reportedly made calls for Kirk Cousins and Teddy Bridgewater as well.
Meanwhile, there have been reports earlier this week that the Vikings had made inquiries on Drew Brees' availability. However, the player has since renewed his contract with the New Orleans Saints, his organization since 2006.
According to The Denver Post, the Broncos have also considered Cousins but ended up going for Keenum, probably because of his playoffs experience. The same report expects the latter to sign a short-term agreement with the Broncos at an expected $18 million annual payout.
