Your QB choice is

I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

@"NodakViking" said: I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

@"NodakViking" said: I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

@"BsuZagVike" said:

@"NodakViking" said:
I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

I really like that combo as well, with Sloter as the third.

I just think based the few times I've seen him he can win for you week in and week if he starts but I don't think he'll command franchise type money, but maybe I under estimate what some might pay him.  

Buffo had some crap at WR in recent years(much seemingly tied to injuries) and the OK wasn't very good but Taylor and McCoy seemed to keep them in the hunt in the AFC.

@"NodakViking" said: I just think based the few times I've seen him he can win for you week in and week if he starts but I don't think he'll command franchise type money, but maybe I under estimate what some might pay him.  

Buffo had some crap at WR in recent years(much seemingly tied to injuries) and the OK wasn't very good but Taylor and McCoy seemed to keep them in the hunt in the AFC.

@"Poiple" said:

@"Zanary" said:

@"Steve" said: Vikings get to the NFC Championship game because Keenum dealt with pressure better than any QB coming off the pine in history, and fans want to replace him with the guy who led the league in interceptions under pressure last year.

If Keenum won 9 games last year, people would be all over him talking about his potential.  Instead, he gets one game shy of the Superbowl and everyone is window shopping replacements.

Keenum looked very "backup-ish" in the playoffs, despite how amazingly he'd done earlier in the season.  Yes, it's harsh and maybe another season would allow him to grow to the next level with the team...but for the moment, he's the latest recent Vikings QB to crash and burn in the NFCC game.  This comes with a massive, albeit unfair, stigma.

Was the loss all his fault?  Hell, no.  The whole team got outplayed and outcoached.  That said, he seemed to display his ceiling...and it was well short of what was required to get to "the game".

I'm split on Cousins and a "healthy Bradford", largely because they're similar "pocket passers" and each comes with concerns.  That said, Keenum comes with his own, and I don't know if anyone actually can say what we have in Teddy right now.

It's pretty maddening, and I really do dream of a time where Vikings fans go into multiple consecutive offseasons without losing sleep/hair/tooth enamel over our signal caller.

I guess you are looking for a tier 1 Qb?   I mean, the O line suffered casualties and couldnt stop the pass rush resulting in Qb pressures and the D gave up points at a rate not previously seen the entire season.  So it appears most knowledgable fand here hold him responsible because he didnt rise above the lack of blocking, the poor game planning and a defense the suddenly became a sieve.  I dont know if I can get inboard that train.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"NodakViking" said: I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

@"BsuZagVike" said:

@"NodakViking" said:
I really like the Combo of Bridgewater and Taylor.

Geoff,
What do you think the market for Taylor is, he seems to win with a questionable team around him but there seems to be doubt about his long term upside.

I really like that combo as well, with Sloter as the third.

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"BsuZagVike" said: Geoff, in your opinion, what do you think are realistic salaries for each of the QBs on the open market?

Kirk - Anywhere between $27M - $30+M over 5 years seems like the wheelhouse. Guaranteed money will dictate which end of that range the AAV falls into. No matter what, Cousins will have a short stint as the NFL highest paid player. Which is fair considering no top 15 QB's hit the market without strings attached.  

Keenum - Without considering the use of the franchise or transition tags, Case and his agent should search for a deal in the range of $20M annually over 3 years. Do they get that? I don't know. But depending on interest that could drop all the way towards $16M or increase into the Alex Smith range $23.5M. If the Vikings keep Keenum it will likely be by using the transition tag and either letting him play out the tag or negotiating a team friendly extension if there isn't a ton of outside interest. 

Bradford - If he decides to play next year a team will give him an incentive laden contract that starts in the $7.5M range. Incentives (mainly attached to his health) could drive it upwards. He won't get more than a prove-it deal in my opinion. But its Sam Bradford, people are tantalized by his arm, so who knows. 

Bridgewater - This is the real wild card. Its really hard to peg a value on Teddy. An incentive driven $7.5M deal seems right for him as well. But it could be substantially less or more depending on how teams other than the Vikings view his potential. 

@"Steve" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"BsuZagVike" said: Geoff, in your opinion, what do you think are realistic salaries for each of the QBs on the open market?

Kirk - Anywhere between $27M - $30+M over 5 years seems like the wheelhouse. Guaranteed money will dictate which end of that range the AAV falls into. No matter what, Cousins will have a short stint as the NFL highest paid player. Which is fair considering no top 15 QB's hit the market without strings attached.  

Keenum - Without considering the use of the franchise or transition tags, Case and his agent should search for a deal in the range of $20M annually over 3 years. Do they get that? I don't know. But depending on interest that could drop all the way towards $16M or increase into the Alex Smith range $23.5M. If the Vikings keep Keenum it will likely be by using the transition tag and either letting him play out the tag or negotiating a team friendly extension if there isn't a ton of outside interest. 

Bradford - If he decides to play next year a team will give him an incentive laden contract that starts in the $7.5M range. Incentives (mainly attached to his health) could drive it upwards. He won't get more than a prove-it deal in my opinion. But its Sam Bradford, people are tantalized by his arm, so who knows. 

Bridgewater - This is the real wild card. Its really hard to peg a value on Teddy. An incentive driven $7.5M deal seems right for him as well. But it could be substantially less or more depending on how teams other than the Vikings view his potential. 

This seems overvalued a good deal IMO, except for Bradford.  I think Bradford, if he hits FA, will have a few teams bidding that will push his price up.

There just aren't a lot of teams looking for quarterbacks with big cap space that don't have top 5 picks.  Really, it's _just_ the Vikings that can do a $20M QB signing without shuffling money around before the draft or dumping yet another QB onto the market.

The only way Bridgewater gets that kind of money is if he's available for a trouble free signing on day 1 of FA, which he won't be unless the Vikings outright release him.  Otherwise he's an afterthought or filling a pre-season injury spot. 

@"medaille" said: I pick Bridgewater.  I don’t think any of these guys is the currently the complete package that anyone is hoping for, so I pick Bridgewater because I’m comfortable with his floor and excited about his potential.  He’s the most likely to become a great QB.  He’s accurate across the vast majority of the field (Higher completion % than Bradford over their careers).  He’s got the it factor that I think is essential for good QBs.  I think his only drawbacks are his deep out accuracy (which I think he’ll have fixed through hard work, and is probably already fixed in practice at least) and his knee.

Cousins is the lowest risk, highest cost.  I think you’re ultimately paying for his
durability and good production.  I
struggle with Cousins because I don’t see the flashes of greatness
anywhere.  I’m not sure how he gets his
numbers.  I’m not sure if he has the it
factor.  I’m not sure his production
leads to wins or is he another goodish QB whose team always ends up around 8-8.

Keenum and Bradford are a tie for me.  I think they are polar opposites in terms of
style.  Keenum is mobile and has the it
factor.  I worry about his accuracy and
decision making.  If he’s even marginally
closer to his career history for ints, the season looks way different.  He played well this year, but I can’t help
but think that his style clashes with what Zimmer wants in a QB.  Bradford makes good decisions but I don’t
think he’s a winner or has that it factor. 
I think he’d be a cheaper Cousins if he plays the whole year, but it’s
hard to ignore that he’s been injured for almost half his career.
I should also point out that I trust this team to be playoff good with any of the aforementioned teams.

He lost DeSean Jackson & Pierre Garcon last year.  Terrelle Pryor was a complete flop.  Josh Doctson was not much of a factor either.  Jordan Reed was oft injured again.  That left him with Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant, Vernon Davis, Chris Thompson, and then a multitude of others.  Their leading rusher was Samaje Perine with 603 yards (3.4 ypc).

He had to spread the ball around and he did it very well in only his 3rd season starting.

I mean, when you look at his career the last 3 years were his first 3 years starting.  He is not a finished product and there is no reason he should not get better.

His 94 TDs and 47 turnovers in the last 3 years is top 6 in the NFL for QBs.  Yet people complain like he is doing something unusual when it comes to turnovers. 

The Vikings do not have that kind of production (94 TDs) from the QB position the last 3 years that is for dang sure.

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"pumpf" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: Be nice if the OP made this a real-world poll vs fantasy...

50% of that poll are unknowns with BIG questions on Bridgewater and Bradford (at least from a fans perspective, maybe coaches know more)

So that leaves Cousins or Case...Dont see Case having to settle for moderate, guaranteed $, so where does that leave our team?

The issue I have with Case is the contract. I don't disagree with him or his agent if they are shopping for a 3 year big money deal ($18+M per year), this business is about utilizing leverage. From how the Vikings have played the situation thus far its hard to see them locking themselves into Case until they can see him repeat what he did in 2017. That gives you two options the franchise tag & transition tag. The franchise tag will be roughly $23.5M and it simply assures the Vikings that Case is their QB entering 2018. The transition tag would save them roughly $2M (20.5M) but allows them to scour the market for other options before fully committing to Case. The risk is that another team could offer him a deal the Vikings do not want to match. 

Ultimately I think this will become a game of musical chairs. The Vikings should and will most likely transition tag case for $20.5M heading into the off-season. I'd find it unlikely his camp will sign the tag in hopes of finding a more long-term deal. That gives the Vikings a chance to explore the market for Cousins, Taylor, etc... Ultimately Kirk seems likely to land in either Denver or Minnesota. He should be the first domino to fall. After that domino falls the Vikings can either renounce the transition tag or work out a deal with Case before another team offers him a deal the Vikings do not want to match. Its a risky choice to make, but committing to Case without exploring your other options is just as risky  in my opinion. 

Where does Teddy fit in the above scenario?  (And forgive me if you've already answered that question elsewhere)

Its tough to say because Bridgewater's preference will become a factor. The Vikings would probably love to have him back, but they won't name him the starter. Will another team make him the incumbent going into camp? Hard to say. But if one did he probably would gravitate in that direction. If other teams are offering him backup contracts his best bet may be to stay in MN due to their continued commitment to him. Ultimately the Vikings aren't going to tag him so he can do whatever he wants. The wildcard is if his contract tolls. That would tie him at the hip to the Vikings. 

I think barring a deal for Cousins, Teddy enters the season as the presumptive starter at the top of the depth chart, but like any other year or player it's up to him to keep it through camp, preseason, and the regular season.  I think any other QB that signs will be clear that they are competing for the job and Teddy would be clear that there is always somebody looking to outplay you.  He has been in the system the whole time and practicing for nearly a year when camp starts next season.

I think it's become pretty clear they like what they saw in practice, the whole staff/FO like his potential so it comes down to what the real story is behind his knee and recovery.

To add to that thought.  If they REALLY like what they see in both Sloter and Teddy why would they enter into any kind of cost or term prohibitive deal with a FA?  They would just tie their hands on those two in the coming years.  I think a vet that could compete or a 2nd/3rd day rookie is the most likely scenario if Teddy sticks around.

@"NodakViking" said: I think barring a deal for Cousins, Teddy enters the season as the presumptive starter at the top of the depth chart, but like any other year or player it's up to him to keep it through camp, preseason, and the regular season.  I think any other QB that signs will be clear that they are competing for the job and Teddy would be clear that there is always somebody looking to outplay you.  He has been in the system the whole time and practicing for nearly a year when camp starts next season.

I think it's become pretty clear they like what they saw in practice, the whole staff/FO like his potential so it comes down to what the real story is behind his knee and recovery.

@"MarkSP18" said: The first two are BIG IFs!

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"MarkSP18" said: The first two are BIG IFs!

Ok so a couple of big ifs, a whiff and a sniff but hopefully not a stiff. Seriously though, it's a big decision but I think they've got this. 

The 2 things that bother me the most is. We have no idea on what for shape Sams knee is in.
Nor do we know exactly where Teddy is with his knee. We can speculate all we want, but 
as Nodak mentioned...only the medical staff and front office no what their status is.

I choo-choo-choose Kirk! That kind of production rarely hits the market. Snyder is an idiot or Cousins never would have.

Teddy came off pup list after what week 6 I Think?yet he was not on the active playoff roster for a guy who just started practicing a couple weeks before the playoffs.That should speak loud and clear what the plan is with Teddy.This is my personal opinion but no way Teddy is opening day starter.I think Zimmer knows that he is a quality backup at best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1vKe3VQ3-8

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"Poiple" said:

@"Steve" said: Vikings get to the NFC Championship game because Keenum dealt with pressure better than any QB coming off the pine in history, and fans want to replace him with the guy who led the league in interceptions under pressure last year.

If Keenum won 9 games last year, people would be all over him talking about his potential.  Instead, he gets one game shy of the Superbowl and everyone is window shopping replacements.

well said.  Im amazed, but shouldn’t be.  Most teams would be looking for a way to lock him down and looking forward to next year.  Vike fans deserve the misery that follows them lol

I think this is misguided, unfair, and directed at the wrong parties.

It is not Vikings fans fault that the front office (not us fans) has not decided to go ahead and extend Case.

Why haven't they done that if what you say is true?

Surely they saw what you saw during the season.

To blame other fans who are now speculating about which QB they would like to see, and Kirk Cousins is a better QB at this point as his stats the last 3 years are much better than any current Vikings QB, is just wrong.

The argument made here is that the fans are clamoring for another QB and going window shopping.  Well, hell yes!

Why not?

What is the actual front office doing?  There has been plenty of time to extend Case or Teddy or Sam or at least to begin some kind of talks which probably would have gotten out (leaked) by now.

Even if they are going to keep one of the three, the fact that they have not done it yet makes it perfectly fine to do some window shopping.

For the record, the only other QB I read that others want (I do), is Kirk Cousins.

I can live with being called a fair weather fan or whatever people want.

I do not give a you know what.

I have seen all 4 Super Bowl losses live.

The Raiders loss was particularly painful.

I am sure other fans have seen these games too.

It changes your perspective when you got over 45 years invested.

Window shopping?  You damn right!

What is the team doing?