If you walked into a room full of football fans and asked who they’d rather have, Case Keenum or Joe Flacco, the answer would likely be split.
That’s why Denver’s reported trade (it can’t be official until March 13) for Flacco is so confusing.
Flacco, who lost his job to rookie Lamar Jackson last season, is due $66 million over the next three seasons per Spotrac. Keenum is due $18 million next season and after that, he’ll become a free agent.
Seven million of Keenum’s contract is guaranteed, and now the Broncos will likely look for a trade partner to take on Keenum’s final season.
Keenum found success in the 2017 season with the Vikings, leading them to the NFC Championship game. On the season, he finished with 3,547yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Last season, with a less-talented offense, Keenum and the Broncos went 6-10 and he threw for 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Certainly replaceable numbers, but it depends who you’re replacing them with.
Flacco doesn’t seem to be the answer. Over the last four seasons, he’s led the Ravens to just 24 wins while throwing 46 interceptions.
It feels like the better move would have been to draft a quarterback early in this year’s draft, or simply wait until next season’s free agent class that could include Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. Even a trade for Nick Foles would have made sense.
I’m not saying Keenum is the answer in Denver. I’m just saying Flacco isn’t.
