Former Vikings QB Hero Case Keenum Quietly Joins NFC North Rival Chicago Bears
Over the past decade, the Minnesota Vikings have experienced several dramatic quarterback storylines, but few were as chaotic or memorable as the one involving Teddy Bridgewater and Case Keenum. It all began back in 2014, when Minnesota selected Bridgewater with the final pick of the first round in the NFL Draft. By 2016, he seemed poised for a breakout season—until a devastating knee injury during a routine preseason practice derailed everything.
The injury was so severe that quick action from then-head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman may have saved Bridgewater’s leg. With the season in jeopardy, the Vikings scrambled to find a replacement, trading a first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for oft-injured former No. 1 pick Sam Bradford.
Bradford started strong, but injuries returned, forcing Minnesota to turn to backup Case Keenum. While the 2016 season didn’t end well—Keenum finished with a 4-5 record in nine starts—the following year would solidify his legacy in Minnesota.
The 2017 season saw Keenum shine as the Vikings’ starter, throwing for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. It was the best season of his career and culminated in one of the most iconic plays in Vikings history—the “Minneapolis Miracle.” Though wide receiver Stefon Diggs stole the spotlight with his last-second touchdown, it was Keenum who delivered the clutch throw that sent Minnesota to the NFC Championship Game.
However, the magic ran out a week later as the Vikings were blown out by the Eagles. That defeat ultimately led to Minnesota signing Kirk Cousins and parting ways with Keenum.
Since then, Keenum has played for multiple teams, taking on more of a mentorship role in the latter part of his career. After a stint as a starter in Denver, Keenum has served as a reliable backup in Washington, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Houston.
Now, at 36, Keenum has signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears. The move was finalized quietly but could prove significant, as he joins a team that just drafted quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. Keenum will be expected to bring veteran leadership and provide support for the rookie under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Keenum last saw action in 2023 with the Houston Texans, starting two games in place of C.J. Stroud. He completed 64.2% of his passes in those appearances but threw just one touchdown against three interceptions before a foot injury landed him on injured reserve.
While his new contract pales in comparison to the $18 million deal he once received from the Broncos, Keenum has quietly built a solid NFL career. Entering the league undrafted in 2011, he now approaches nearly $60 million in career earnings—an impressive feat for a journeyman quarterback.
If Keenum makes Chicago’s final roster, he’ll get a chance to face his former team, the Vikings, twice in 2025—a full-circle moment for one of Minnesota’s most beloved underdog heroes.
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