Minnesota Vikings QB Case Keenum expected to hit free agency

The offseason market for NFL quarterbacks is expected to be wild, and the talent pool is now expected to include Case Keenum of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings, who have three potential free-agent quarterbacks, are not expected to put a franchise tag on Keenum, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Keenum was one of the surprising stars of last season, starting 14 regular-season games and both postseason games last season while leading the team to within one win of the Super Bowl. The former journeyman made $2 million on a one-year deal in 2017. He has been a candidate for a $23 million franchise tag for 2018.

Keenum replaced an injured Sam Bradford (knee) last season. Teddy Bridgewater hasn't played a meaningful down since suffering a devastating knee injury in August 2016. Bridgewater returned to practice in early November 2017 and was Keenum's backup for the second half of the regular season. Bradford was activated and served as the backup in the postseason.

The Vikings could also be in the market for expected free-agent-to be Kirk Cousins. Gil Brandt of NFL.com wrote Monday on Twitter that there is "certainly interest on both sides."

The start of free agency begins March 14.