Redskins reportedly trade for Case Keenum

March 7, 2019

by Steve Thomas

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and others reported Thursday afternoon that the Redskins and Broncos have reached an agreement on a trade for quarterback Case Keenum in exchange for a swap of draft picks:

The #Broncos and #Redskins have agreed to terms on a trade to send QB Case Keenum to Washington for draft picks and with an adjusted contract, sources say. Broncos get Skins 6th, Washington get a 7th.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2019

Broncos’ beat writer Mike Klis reported that the Redskins will pay $3.5M of Keenum’s 2019 salary:

Broncos have trade parameters with Washington for QB Case Keenum: Broncos get WAS 6th in 2020, WAS gets Broncos 7th in '20, per source. Keenum's contract reworked. Broncos pay him $500K restructure bonus and pay $3.5 million of his $7M salary. Washington pays $3.5 mi. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 7, 2019

2019 is the last year of Keenum’s existing contract. A $3.5M cap hit is within the rough parameters the Redskins can afford given their somewhat precarious salary cap situation.

The addition of Keenum fills a major need for Washington given the seemingly bleak injury prognosis for starter Alex Smith. Prior to today’s trade, Colt McCoy was the only healthy quarterback on the roster, and he is coming off an injury of his own. In his career, Keenum has played in 57 games, starting 54, with 12,661 yards, a 62% completion percentage, 64 touchdowns, 42 interceptions, and an 84.5 quarterback rating. Prior to signing with the Bronocos last year, Keenum, who played his college ball at the Univeristy of Houston, was best known for his miraculous last second Hail Mary touchdown to beat the Saints in the divisional round of the 2017 playoffs.

Keenum is expected to compete with McCoy for the starting job next season.