Quarterback Case Keenum is coming off a career-redefining season with the Minnesota Vikings that solidified him as a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. It was an unexpected turn of events that led to him getting the opportunity to help lead the franchise to its most successful campaign in nearly a decade.

However, it has come to an end after just one season with the Vikings, who chose to go in another direction with the expected signing of Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins to a three-year, fully-guaranteed $84 million deal. With that in mind, Keenum took the time on social media to voice his appreciation for his brief tenure.

The 30-year-old proved to be a capable starting quarterback last season, putting up career highs across the board with 3,547 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions while holding a 98.3 quarterback rating in 15 games played. He also played a huge part in guiding the Vikings to their first NFC Championship game trip in eight years.

He had a desire to return for at least another year, but Minnesota felt that Cousins was the better option at the position to take the franchise to the next level and win the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

It was a remarkable lone season with the for Keenum, helping him earn a lucrative contract for the first time in his career, cashing in on a two-year, $36 million with the Denver Broncos. He has an opportunity in front of him as the unquestioned starting quarterback for the Broncos moving forward.

Keenum is stepping into a situation similar to Minnesota, as Denver possesses one of the league's best defenses along with some formidable offensive talent. He will have a proven running back in C.J. Anderson behind and a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. All of this sets the table for what should be in an intriguing 2018 season as he tries to replicate last year's success in his new home.