Case Keenum Contract with Chicago Bears Threatened as Arizona Cardinals Offers $5 Million Deal
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, few things stir as much excitement and uncertainty as free agency season. This time, the spotlight is on veteran quarterback Case Keenum, whose contract with the Chicago Bears is in jeopardy after receiving a lucrative offer from the Arizona Cardinals. The potential shift in Keenum’s career has sparked discussions across the league, as the Cardinals have extended a $5 million deal to the seasoned quarterback, threatening to derail his anticipated move to Chicago.
Case Keenum, who has bounced around several NFL teams throughout his career, has been a solid backup quarterback and a reliable option in emergency situations. Known for his stint with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to a memorable NFC Championship appearance in the 2017 season, Keenum has built a reputation as a competent and experienced signal-caller. Though not considered a franchise starter, Keenum’s ability to step in and perform at a high level when needed has kept him in demand.
Initially, it seemed Keenum would be joining the Chicago Bears on a one-year contract, providing experienced depth behind Justin Fields, the Bears’ young starting quarterback. The Bears, who have made significant strides in building a competitive roster, were looking to bolster their quarterback room by adding a seasoned veteran who could offer mentorship to Fields, while also stepping in if necessary. The Bears’ coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, saw the value in Keenum’s experience, especially in helping Fields develop and navigate the ups and downs of an NFL season.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the Arizona Cardinals entered the picture. Arizona, in the midst of a rebuilding phase under new head coach Jonathan Gannon, found themselves in need of a veteran quarterback to back up their young star, Kyler Murray. With Murray recovering from a serious knee injury, the Cardinals wanted to ensure they had a reliable option under center in case Murray’s recovery took longer than expected. Keenum, with his years of experience and proven ability to step in and lead an offense, became an appealing option for the Cardinals.
The $5 million offer extended by Arizona is significantly more than what Keenum was reportedly set to receive from the Bears. This financial incentive has placed Keenum in a difficult position, as he must now weigh his options carefully. On one hand, joining the Cardinals offers him a higher salary and the possibility of a more prominent role if Murray’s recovery doesn’t go as planned. On the other hand, his relationship with the Bears organization, the opportunity to mentor Fields, and the chance to be part of Chicago’s rebuilding efforts might be enough to sway his decision in favor of the Windy City.
As of now, Keenum has yet to make a decision, and the situation remains fluid. Both the Bears and the Cardinals have expressed interest in securing his services, but only time will tell where the veteran quarterback will end up. For the Chicago Bears, the threat from Arizona is a reminder of how competitive the quarterback market can be, and how crucial it is to secure key players to build a sustainable future.
