“Meh.”
That was the overwhelming reaction from Denver Post readers who voted in our poll Tuesday in response to the Broncos signing Case Keenum. Yeah, it’s an upgrade from Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, but weren’t there better options?
Not really.
Tyrod Taylor was off the market, Denver was never going to sign another Manning brother and it became increasingly clear over the past week or so that Kirk Cousins wasn’t going to wear orange, which really started to limit the free agent options to the Vikings’ QB trio of Keenum, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater. And of those three, the undrafted guy who went 11-3 last season, led Minnesota to the NFC Championship game and lacks a lengthy injury history seems like the best choice.
Keenum, who twice finished in the top eight in Heisman voting during his five seasons at the University of Houston, doesn’t bring the fanfare of Cousins or a Super Bowl champion Nick Foles. And if you peek back at his earlier NFL days that include an 0-8 record as a starter with the Texans in 2013 and a career completion percentage below 60 enter 2017, then, yeah — “meh” is an appropriate response. But considering what he did last season (3,547 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INTs), there’s reason to believe Keenum, 30, can be the missing piece needed to lead Denver back to the playoffs.
Still not a fan of the move? Keep in mind the deal he’ll sign Wednesday is expected to be a short-term one worth about $18 million per year, which is about $10 million per year cheaper than what the Vikings are reportedly paying for Cousins. Plus, signing Keenum doesn’t mean the Broncos won’t go after a quarterback with their first-round draft pick. Nick Kosmider still thinks former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, someone the Broncos saw up close by coaching him at the Senior Bowl, will be who they spend their fifth overall pick on.
Being skeptical of the move is healthy. Mark Sanchez, Brock Osweiler, Christian Ponder, Siemian and Lynch — the Broncos have made one bad move after another at quarterback since Peyton Manning retired, why will Keenum be any different?
Maybe he won’t, but given the available choices, what else was Denver to do?
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on tap?
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- NFL: Free agency period officially opens, 2 p.m. | Live blog | Free agency tracker
- Cactus League: Rockies at Dodgers, 8 p.m. MLB
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NBA: Lakers 112, Nuggets 103
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NHL: Avalanche 5, Wild 1
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Cactus League: Rockies 8, Mariners 7
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Must-Read
What does the Case Keenum agreement mean for the Broncos’ first-round draft pick?
The Broncos filled the biggest hole on their roster and the most significant addition to their quarterbacks room. But quarterback Case Keenum won’t be the only major addition to the Broncos’ roster. Read More…
The Denver Postap first 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Where do the Broncos turn?
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After difficult 2017 season, Carlos Gonzalez has a lot to prove as he rejoins Rockies
The return of Carlos Gonzalez sparked a feel-good festival at Salt River Fields this week. His bright smile and easy laugh instantly brightened the mood at the Rockies’ spring training home. Read More…
Quick Hits
+ Colorado players to watch in the 2018 NCAA women’s basketball tournament
+ The Colorado Rapids are closing in on deal with an Ivorian striker who has scored 74 career goals.
+ Colorado State’s answer at QB Tennessee graduate transfer Quinten Dormady?
+ Do you like talking about the Rockies? .
+ Terrell Davis will be the keynote speaker at cannabis business summit in Denver
+ So. Many. Quarterbacks. Reviewing the Broncos’ recent history of QB swaps and offensive coaching changes.
+ The Broncos’ Super Bowl 53 odds improve with Case Keenum news. The Browns get better, too. Seriously.
+ Broncos bring back Demaryius Thomas by exercising a $4 million contract option.
+ Former Broncos linebacker Corey Nelson to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
+ Former Duluth star Dominic Toninato is no stranger to the “X” in St. Paul.
By The Numbers
100
Total number of triple-doubles Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook has in his career after Tuesday’s game. Westbrook trails only Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138) and Jason Kidd (107).
Parting Shot
WATCH: Nuggets’ Jamal Murray receives a loud round of boos from Los Angeles Lakers fans during introductions
When Murray was introduced — he was the last Denver player to be announced — the crowd at the Staples Center gave him a loud welcome typically reserved for the WWE’s finest heels. Read More…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
