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UPDATE: Mike Klis reports Washington is giving up their 2020 sixth-round pick in exchange for Case Keenum and Denver’s 2020 seventh-round pick. Keenum’s contract is also adjusted so where Washington only has to pay $3.5 million to Keenum. So, hardly a big overpay, but still, LolSkins. This move probably ensures they’ll just be mediocre instead of finding a path to getting an actually good quarterback high in the NFL Draft. Original story below.
Ah, you know NFL free agency has arrived when the Washington Redskins go out and do something dumb. This year, it’s trading for Case Keenum.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports Washington is putting an offer together to acquire the journeyman quarterback from the Denver Broncos. Keenum is reportedly expected to compete with Colt McCoy for a starting job in 2019.
#Broncos QB Case Keenum was the #Redskins top QB target based on price (his deal has offsets) and experience. He’ll come in and have to battle with Colt McCoy when this gets done. Washington checking off a big item on their to-do list.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2019
Washington was always expected to make some kind of quarterback acquisition given that Alex Smith is likely to not play next season. (Or ever again?)
Eagles fans certainly won’t mind Keenum coming to the NFC East after watching Philadelphia absolutely destroy him in the 2018 NFC Championship Game. Keenum completed 58.3% of his attempts in that matchup for just a 5.6 average, one touchdown, two interceptions, and a 63.8 passer rating. He also got strip-sacked by Derek Barnett (pictured above this article).
Keenum was having a strong season with the Vikings prior to getting obliterated by the Eagles. His efforts landed him a two-year, $36 million contract with the Broncos. Keenum predictably fell back to earth in 2018, however. He threw just 18 touchdowns to 15 interceptions for a 81.2 passer rating. He was bad enough to the point where Denver decided to trade for Joe Flacco to replace him.
It remains to be seen what Washington is giving up to acquire Keenum. But even if it’s a low cost, they’re still taking on an $18 million base salary this season. If you combine his salary with Smith’s and McCoy’s, Washington is paying $36 million to their quarterbacks in 2019. Think about that: $36 million for the playing services of Keenum and McCoy!
Another angle to Washington trading for Keenum is that it rules them out as a potential landing spot for Nick Foles. Reports indicated Washington was never really in on Foles anyway but this trade confirms that sentiment.