Mike Zimmer Says Vikings Must Pick Right QB or 'I'll Probably Be Fired'

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer understands the quarterback decision his team faces is significant enough that his job may depend on it.

"It's important for myself and [general manager] Rick [Spielman] and the organization to pick the right guy that is going to help us continue to move forward," Zimmer said regarding Minnesota's quarterback situation, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. "If we don't do that, then I'll probably be fired."

Cronin noted Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford are all set to become free agents March 14, and Zimmer said each is "definitely" an option for the team.

Despite assigning such importance to the situation, the coach did stress money is of concern—especially since overpaying for a signal-caller could prevent the Vikings from improving elsewhere.

"The decision could cost the Vikings upward of $28 million to $30 million per year if they enter the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes in free agency," Cronin wrote. "That figure might be lower if the Vikings stick with one of their current quarterbacks."

There are health concerns with several of the options. Bridgewater's knee injury knocked him out for the 2016 campaign before he appeared in one game in 2017, throwing two passes. Still, he was the team's first-round pick in 2014 and could deliver on his potential if given another opportunity.

Bradford has also had trouble staying on the field throughout his career and played two games in 2017. In addition, he tore his ACL twice (2013, 2014). 

Keenum led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in 2017 but threw nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2016 for the Los Angeles Rams. His 2017 showing (3,547 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions) stands out as his career outlier, suggesting additional risk if he regresses.

The Vikings don't need their quarterback to be Aaron Rodgers- or Tom Brady-like with running back Dalvin Cook's impending return from a torn ACL and a strong defense that was No. 1 in the league in yards allowed in 2017, but Zimmer recognizes the pressure he's facing.