Minnesota Vikings Sign Quarterback Mitch Leidner

The Minnesota Vikings might have a need at the backup quarterback position. While Case Keenum has solidified himself as Sam Bradford’s backup, third-stringer Taylor Heinicke has had his struggles in the first two preseason contests, throwing an interception in each game. So, it would make sense for the Vikings to bring in some potential competition for him.

This, on the other hand, makes no sense.

The Vikings announced on Sunday that they have signed former Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner to a contract. In order to make room for him on the active roster, they waived linebacker Darnell Sankey.

Leidner was the a quarterback for the Gophers from 2013 to 2016, and wasn’t without his moments as the Gophers’ quarterback. He did throw more touchdown passes than interceptions in his career (36 to 32), and had 33 rushing touchdowns from the quarterback position. However, his accuracy is often questionable, and a lot of the interceptions seemed to come at the worst possible times (see last year’s game at Wisconsin).

I’m not sure how much of a threat that Leidner is to Heinicke’s spot on the roster, but this could serve as a shot across the proverbial bow to Heinicke that he needs to get it together, and quickly.

With two preseason games remaining, we’ll see what sort of opportunity Leidner gets.