The NFL quarterback is perhaps the most talked about and analyzed position in all of American sports. On-field successes and failures, as well as off-field behaviors are magnified by high draft pedigree, massive contracts, and the little green dot on the back of his helmet which denotes him the leader of the offense and the team.
For the Minnesota Vikings, 2016 was far more tumultuous and dramatic than anyone expected. Heading into the season, there was no question who the team’s quarterback was. Teddy Bridgewater, entering his third season, was expected to take a jump forward and become the franchise quarterback the team has been searching for since Daunte Culpepper blew out his knee in 2005. After exciting fans in the first three preseason games, Bridgewater once again affirmed the bad luck of the Purple and Gold, dislocating his left knee and tearing his ACL in a non-contact practice drill. His season ended in August, and his NFL future is still in doubt.
With only veteran backup Shaun Hill and untested rookie Joel Stave left healthy on the roster, general manager Rick Spielman made a bold decision, shipping off a first round pick in the 2017 draft and a fourth round pick the following season to the Philadelphia Eagles for the former number one overall pick, Sam Bradford. The trade was scrutinized by many who saw it as a desperate move, but many saw it as a necessary risk for a team confident in its ability to contend in the playoffs. Now, after Bradford led the Vikings to an 8-8 record in 2016, it is time to look at the future of the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks.
Minnesota Vikings Roster Looking Forward: Quarterbacks
Position as it Stands
At present, the Vikings have three quarterbacks under contract for the 2017 season. Both Bradford and Bridgewater are slated to return, and the team has to decide if they will exercise Bridgewater’s fifth year option by May 2nd. Also under contract is the former un-drafted free agent Taylor Heinicke, who will be competing for the backup job if Bridgewater is not ready to play at the beginning of next season despite never making a single regular season appearance.
Also on the current roster is Shaun Hill, who besides starting week one of last season against the Tennessee Titans, has played sparingly in his two-year stint with the team. Hill is an upcoming free agent and is expected to retire.
Starting 15 games last season, Sam Bradford had a career year despite one of the worst offensive lines and running games in the NFL. Acquired just a week before the regular season and despite the sudden resignation of offensive coordinator Norv Turner midway through the season, Bradford managed to throw for 20 touchdowns, just five interceptions, and a career high 3,877 yards. He also broke the NFL record for single season completion percentage, hitting the mark with 71.6% of his throws. This remarkable season was enough for head coach Mike Zimmer to confirm that Bradford has “earned the right to be the starting quarterback going forward.
Free Agency
With Bridgewater’s status up in the air for 2017, it is imperative the Vikings address the backup quarterback position. After not stocking the roster with a proficient backup last season, the team was forced to give up first and fourth round picks for a quarterback who was widely considered a joke by fans around the league. Even though Bradford exceeded expectations and had a career year last season, the team must find a suitable backup in free agency as to avoid a simpler situation unfolding again. Bringing in a cheap veteran signal caller to compete with Heinicke for the backup quarterback job must be a top priority.
Nick Foles, if released, is a solid candidate. He was involved in the trade that brought Sam Bradford to the Eagles from the Rams, and now, due over $10 million from the Chiefs, it is likely he will be searching for work. He is a high quality backup, and the Vikings could certainly do a lot worse.
Other options in the free agency market are younger players like Mike Glennon, who showed some flashes before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Jameis Winston with the first overall pick in 2015, or Case Keenum, currently a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
In the Draft
If they cannot sign a high quality backup in free agency, the Vikings should look to the draft for a mid-round quarterback to develop as a long term backup. A player like Davis Webb from Cal could be available in the fourth or fifth rounds, or a more risky prospect like Chad Kelly from Ole Miss could pay dividends down the road.
Outlook
If Teddy Bridgewater can return to his pre-injury form sooner rather than later, the Vikings could very well have a quarterback controversy on their hands. If both Bridgewater and Bradford impress in training camp and the preseason, expect Bradford to be the one who is traded. His age and high cap number make him more likely to be shopped than the younger, cheaper Bridgewater.
Unfortunately for the team, it is likely they will not be able to make that choice. There is a significant chance Bridgewater will never play again, let along in 2017, and even if he does, there is no guarantee he will return to his pre-injury form. If that is the case, expect Bridgewater to spend another season on injured reserve, rehabbing and training, with Bradford leading the team for another season.
With Bridgewater’s status so uncertain, the team must proceed under the assumption that Sam Bradford is the Vikings franchise quarterback until proven otherwise. They must find a quarterback coach who suits him and a backup who can step up if he goes down. The quarterback position is not a weakness for Minnesota, but a strength, and the team must continue to build around their talent at the most important position in football if they intend to return contention in 2017.
