Ian Rapoport has plenty of news about the Vikings’ plans this offseason.
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
Mike has been shouting this from the beginning. And yes, the #Vikings are going to be in very heavy on Cousins. https://t.co/tDcEKIyL4t
— 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
There has been some question about whether the Vikings could prevent Bridgewater from hitting free agency by rule since the knee injury in 2016 cost him so much playing time. They apparently will not test their luck.
This could complicate any pursuit the Jets have of Cousins, but it certainly does not end the team’s chances of landing the quarterback. From the start, there has been one question about Cousins. Is he only looking for the biggest payday, or will other factors enter into his decision. Either way, Cousins is going to make a lot of money, but is his decision going to simply be determined by the team that offers most? If Cousins is focused only on money, the Jets have a great shot of landing him. The team can put together a financial package to compete with anybody. If Cousins has other motivations like winning, the Jets are going to have a much more difficult time attracting him. That was true before the Vikings jumped into the fray.
Meanwhile, if there are any Keenum or Bridgewater fans out there, this might be good news for you.