Cleveland Browns agree in principle with Case Keenum: Grades, reaction and more
The Cleveland Browns have been active on the first day of NFL Free Agency.
The Browns have Baker Mayfield insurance after agreeing in principle to a deal with veteran quarterback Case Keenum.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the agreement.
Keenum started eight games last year with the Washington Redskins throwing 11 touchdowns to five interceptions. Keenum was replaced by rookie first-rounder Dwayne Haskins after going 1-7 in his starts. The Browns will be Keenum’s fifth team in the last five years. He previously played for Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski with the Minnesota Vikings when he posted his career-best numbers three years ago.
Contract Details
Keenum agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million and $10 million in guaranteed money, according to Schefter.
Browns reached agreement with former Redskins' QB Case Keenum on a three-year, $18 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
National Reaction
Keenum will serve as the backup for Mayfield but the jokes are already flying on Twitter from fans who think he’ll eventually start over the former No. 1 pick.
Browns landing Case Keenum makes a ton of sense. He played for Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota, and should be an excellent resource for Baker Mayfield.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2020
And stylistically, he's an ideal backup for Mayfield.
AP source confirms #Browns reach agreement with former #Redskins QB Case Keenum on 3-year, $18 million deal.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) March 16, 2020
First reported by @AdamSchefter.
Sheesh.
QB controversy coming?
— Joe Flint (@JBFlint) March 16, 2020
The critics are out in full-force who think Keenum will take the starting job from Mayfield, the former No. 1 pick who regressed last year after a strong rookie season with Freddie Kitchens.
https://twitter.com/DEVllNE/status/1239665713868091393?s=20
BYE BAKER LMAOAOAO
— Raekwon (@_JayyyP) March 16, 2020
Getting a top notch backup shows the new coaches might not be all in on the Baker hype.
— Dominique Clare (@DomClare) March 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/Wentz_Better/status/1239665738224459777?s=20
Getting Keenum gives the Browns a strong No. 2 quarterback option should Mayfield continue to regress. The presence of Keenum should light a fire under Mayfield who needs to play better after being surrounded by All-Pro weapons. Keenum had his best success in the NFL under Stefanski so it’s an intriguing wild card for the Browns should Mayfield either get hurt and miss time or lose his job to ineffective play.
After agreeing to deals with All-Pro tight end Austin Hooper and Pro Bowl right tackle Jack Conklin earlier in the day, the Browns have put Mayfield in a tremendous position to succeed, or at least, not have any excuses. If he fails, Keenum will be there to benefit from the abundance of talent around him.
Grade: B
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