Former Redskins QB Case Keenum signs with Cleveland Browns

The Redskins will need a new backup quarterback in 2020, as their 2019 security blanket has officially signed elsewhere.

By many accounts, the Washington Redskins mishandled their quarterback situation in 2019. Jay Gruden opted to roll with trade acquisition Case Keenum at the start of the season, in an attempt to “win now”. It soon became apparent, however, that the Redskins weren’t meant to win in 2019. The team’s management had a flawed idea of the squad’s contention window, and players like Keenum and Dwayne Haskins were caught in the middle of the dysfunction that resulted.

Keenum had originally intended to use his job in Washington as a chance to reinvigorate his career as a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he was unable to do so. Keenum performed admirably in a bad situation in 2019, completing 160 of 247 passes for 1,707 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while going 1-7 as a starter. Keenum’s raw stats and advanced metrics combined paint an accurate picture of what he was in Washington: A good spot-starter and security blanket with a relatively low cap on his efficiency.

Still, for Keenum’s flaws, he was a good backup for Washington, and in 2020, he’ll help another team benefit from his inherent security. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Keenum signed with the Cleveland Browns earlier today, cashing in on a three-year deal worth $18 million total, with $10 million of that money designated as guaranteed.

Keenum will reunite with his former quarterback’s coach Kevin Stefanski, who’s now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns after helping Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins reach career marks with his own efficiency in 2019. Stefanski helped Keenum mount a career-best season in 2017, and the two are a very good fit for one another.

Keenum won’t start in Cleveland, as former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield is entering his third season. Mayfield had a down year in 2019, but his development was undermined by coaching dysfunction, and Stefanski was brought in to right the ship, and glean out more of Mayfield’s upside. Keenum will be a valuable veteran presence for Mayfield, and provide Cleveland with breathing room at the game’s most important position.

On the surface, the task of replacing Keenum isn’t a challenging one for the Redskins, as their main priority should be finding a standard veteran to back up Dwayne Haskins in 2019. But Keenum’s production amidst opportunity separates him from the average middle-tier backup, and he’s deserving of this deal from Cleveland.