NFL free agency update: Broncos and Keenum agree on two years
The Broncos addressed their biggest flaw over the past two seasons by locking in free agent Case Keenum for 2018 and 2019.
Adam Schefter first reported Case Keenum’s move to Denver late last night.
Contract details
Until this morning thought, details on the contract were unknown. 9 News’ Mike Klis updated the report this not long ago confirming that the two parties had agreed to two years, totaling $36M.
National reaction
I'd rather pay Case Keenum $18M than Kirk Cousins $30M.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) March 13, 2018
Look at it this way: The average salary for a No. 1 wide receiver is a little over $10M. You can have BOTH Keenum AND a No. 1 receiver for what Cousins will cost. https://t.co/QFPb6c6TYx
Next: What Keenum's signing does for Denver and AFC West outlook
Grade
Keenum’s 2017 season was by far the best of his career. Usually one season that’s such an outlier points towards a regression the next year. In the case of Keenum though, it probably did more to highlight just how bad his previous situations were and to show what he’s capable of when surrounded by talent and stability.
In Denver, he’ll again have a solid defense and extremely talented weapons at receiver in Demarius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. The Broncos need a couple more moves at offensive line to give Keenum the kind of protection he had last year but no matter what, he’s a massive upgrade from the last two seasons at QB for Denver.
This was the kind of move the Broncos had to make to compete in 2018. The two-year deal doesn’t mortgage the team’s future if things don’t work out and at $36MM, Keenum’s price tag is still much cheaper than what Denver would have had to commit for Kirk Cousins.
Elway didn’t land Peyton Manning again but it was a necessary, smart move and dramatically improves Denver’s chances in 2018.
Grade: A-