The Minnesota Vikings have experienced some fascinating quarterback scenarios over the last ten years, especially during the last couple of offseasons. However, perhaps the most dramatic QB saga began when they selected Teddy Bridgewater with the 32nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Bridgewater spent two seasons as the starting quarterback and seemed to be on the verge of a breakout during the 2016 preseason. That is, until disaster struck.
In a shocking turn during a late preseason practice, Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury—so severe that not only was his season immediately over, but quick action by then-head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman was crucial just to save his leg.
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How Case Keenum became the Minnesota Vikings default miracle QB
On September 3, just days after Teddy Bridgewater put on a strong performance against the San Diego Chargers in the Vikings’ third preseason game on August 28, disaster reshaped the Vikings’ plans. With their franchise quarterback sidelined, then-GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer made a bold move—trading a first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford, who had battled injuries throughout his career.
Bradford’s mission? Step in as the immediate starter for a Vikings squad with playoff ambitions—despite arriving in Minnesota just a week before the regular season kicked off. After two impressive starts, Bradford’s lingering health issues flared up again. That opened the door for Case Keenum to take over as QB1.
Keenum, a former University of Houston standout and the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions, stepped in—but couldn’t fully salvage the 2016 season. He posted a 4-5 record in nine starts, and the Vikings ultimately finished 8-8, missing the postseason.
Then came 2017, when Keenum carved his name into Vikings lore. While Stefon Diggs is forever etched in fans’ minds for the Minneapolis Miracle—making the catch, staying in bounds, sprinting to the end zone, tossing his helmet, and getting swarmed—it was Keenum who launched the unforgettable pass and set the stage for that moment.
Though not flawless, Keenum delivered his finest NFL season in 2017. He started 14 games, throwing for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions—by far the best numbers of his career across 23 total starts as a Viking.
Keenum signs with Chicago Bears for 2025
Unfortunately, the magic ran out for Case Keenum and the Vikings just one week after the Minneapolis Miracle. They were thoroughly outplayed in the NFC Championship Game by the Philadelphia Eagles—a loss that triggered major changes in Minnesota. A few months later, the team signed Kirk Cousins to a blockbuster deal and brought in John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator.
Still, Keenum’s NFL journey didn’t end in Minnesota. He landed a starting role with the Denver Broncos the following season, though his stint there was short-lived. Since then, he’s embraced the role of a veteran backup, suiting up for four different teams. Now in 2025, he’s set to join a fifth—quietly signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
After spending the past two seasons in Houston, Keenum heads to a Chicago team where he’ll likely serve as a mentor to rookie Caleb Williams. His last action came in 2023 when he started two games in place of an injured C.J. Stroud, completing 64.2% of his passes, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Unfortunately, a foot injury later that season landed him on injured reserve, ending his year prematurely.
The $3 million deal he just inked matches what he made in Houston last year. It’s a long way from the $18 million Denver gave him back in 2018 after his breakout with the Vikings—but with career earnings approaching $60 million, Keenum’s had quite the run for a player who went undrafted out of the University of Houston in 2011. Not bad for a guy whose NFL journey started with no guarantees.
Case Keenum: The young QB mentor
In Chicago, Case Keenum will join rookie Caleb Williams in the Bears’ quarterback room, now under the direction of new head coach Ben Johnson. Fresh off his success as offensive coordinator in Detroit, Johnson is taking on the challenge of developing the 2024 No. 1 overall pick—and having a seasoned veteran like Keenum in the room should only help that process.
Keenum has carved out a reputation as the go-to mentor for young quarterbacks. He’s worked alongside Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, helped support Josh Allen in Buffalo, backed up C.J. Stroud in Houston, and now he’ll look to play a similar role with Williams in Chicago.
If Keenum makes the final roster out of training camp, he’ll get to face a familiar foe twice in 2025—the Minnesota Vikings. It’ll be a meaningful reunion for a player who left a lasting impression in purple and still likely holds fond memories of U.S. Bank Stadium and his time with the Vikings organization.
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