There are bigger deals than Case Keenum signing with the Cleveland Browns. Fine, there are much bigger deals than Case Keenum signing with the Cleveland Browns — and you can see all the deals right here. The thing about Case Keenum’s three-year $18 million contract is that it could be a sneaky good signing for the Browns. Here’s why:
The mentor
Keenum is obviously brought in strictly as a backup. He’s brought in to help Baker Mayfield be better. Mayfield took a step back last season from his rookie year, and that’s not debatable. Maybe some of his issues were due to Freddie Kitchens poor coaching decisions, but Mayfield also contributed. Sometimes early success is the worst thing that can happen to a young player. Keenum will come in and show Mayfield how to be professional while playing football. Keenum has played on five teams over his career. He’s seen a thing or two. He also played in a similar style offense to Baker Mayfield in college. Keenum’s offensive coordinator was Kliff Kingsbury and Mayfield briefly played for Kingsbury before transferring to Oklahoma but he still ran a spread system.
The teacher
The Browns just hired Kevin Stefanski as their head coach. Stefanski was previously with the Minnesota Vikings in multiple capacities and during 2017-2018, he was the team’s quarterback coach.
It just so happens that Case Keenum ended up being the quarterback for the Viking in 2017. Here’s another shocker, it was by far Keenum’s best season as a quarterback and the Vikings made it to the playoffs with Keenum as the team’s signal-caller.
Not only can Keenum mentor Mayfield about what it takes to be a professional quarterback, but he can also help teach Mayfield Stefanski’s offense since he is familiar with what Stefanski wants to see out of his quarterbacks. It’s always good to have someone to bounce ideas off and talk to on the sideline. Keenum is perfect for this role.
The security blanket and motivator
Keenum isn’t coming in to take Mayfield’s job, but he can act as motivation to Mayfield. If Baker doesn’t play well, it would be really easy for Stefanski to turn the quarterback duties to Keenum if Keenum gives the Browns the best chance to win. That should get to Baker since Mayfield always loves challenges and plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Keenum also is there for the Browns if Mayfield was to miss time. Football players happen to get hurt and Mayfield is one hit away from missing time. The Browns want to make the playoffs next year. The most important player on the team is the starting quarterback. The second most important player is the backup quarterback.
The deal
Keenum’s deal is pretty solid. Six-million dollars for three years is a great cheap price for a solid backup quarterback who provides everything else mentioned above. Keenum’s been a backup before so he will be ready at a moment’s notice. That’s probably why the deal got an A- from our team.
