ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Case Keenum #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.
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.