The Cleveland Browns made Case Keenum one of the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the league.
They gave the veteran quarterback a three-year deal worth $18 million in 2020.
Since then, Keenum has started in a total of two games for the Browns.
In the past, the 34-year-old has experienced success under Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
That was likely a big reason why the Browns decided to originally sign Keenum.
Now, Cleveland needs to make a tough decision this offseason on whether or not to keep Keenum around in 2022.
Worth The Money?
It’s uncertain why the Browns decided to pay Keenum so much to be a backup.
Possibly, the organization didn’t believe that Baker Mayfield was the answer at quarterback.
Two years later, the Browns are still uncertain if Mayfield can lead this team to a championship.
Last season, Mayfield played through a majority of the season with a torn labrum.
It goes to show that the Browns would rather start an injured Mayfield over Keenum.
Although, Keenum did make two starts for the Browns last season.
He started and helped lead Cleveland to victory over the Denver Broncos.
Also, Keenum started in the season finale when the Browns decided to shut down Mayfield.
Now, the Browns need to decide if they want to pay over $8 million for a quarterback who played in two games.
Cleveland could save over $7 million if they decide to part ways with Keenum this offseason.
Case Keenum Salary Cap numbers
Against 2022: $8,433,334If cut:
Dead Cap Hit: $1,333,334
Salary Cap Savings: $7,100,000#Browns— BB (@BuckeyesBrowns) March 3, 2022
The Browns appear to be committed to Mayfield beginning the 2022 season as the starter.
That being said, there’s a good chance Keenum becomes a cap casualty this offseason.
The organization has shown little faith in Keenum and it wouldn’t be shocking if the team decided to move on from the veteran quarterback.
Who Becomes The Backup?
At this point, the Browns could go multiple routes as far as backup quarterbacks.
Mayfield is entering his fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
That means, the Browns will likely need to sign Mayfield long-term or let him walk in free agency next season.
That being said, Cleveland could look to add a young quarterback through the draft.
That quarterback would sit behind Mayfield for a season before taking over in 2023.
Also, Cleveland could bring in legitimate competition as insurance in case Mayfield struggles again.
One name that continues to be talked about is former Chicago Bears first-round pick Mitch Trubisky.
I’ve talked to more NFL teams this week about Mitchell Trubisky than the 22 QB class.
I think that says a lot.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 1, 2022
Cleveland cannot afford to have another season wasted by below average quarterback play.
The Browns should bring in someone who can help in 2022, but also be a future option as well.
Keenum is a decent backup quarterback, but hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2018.
It’s unlikely that Cleveland would trust him to take over as the starter if Mayfield struggles.
The front office probably wants to bring in a possible successor to Mayfield, which isn’t going to be Keenum.
He should be able to find plenty of suitors because Keenum does have experience.
However, it’s time the Browns end the Keenum experiment and attempt to upgrade this offseason.
The Browns HAVE to release Casey. For whatever reason, he didn’t get the nod, to replace an injured Baker, and doesn’t provide any competition for him as a starter. We Can sign a more capable back-up, for a lesser price, that will provide competition for Mr. Mayfield.
IN my opinion Mayfield played because of all the endorsement contracts and him being the face of the Browns not becuase Keenum couldn’t play. Keenum is a better down field passer than Mayfiled. They should keep Keenum so when Mayfield flames out again they have a QB that can win games.
You hit the nail on the head! Best thing Browns could do is cut Baker and save huge money on Cap. With that saved cap money add several key playmaker! No doubt Case Keenum is more blessed QB and more than capable of helping lead Browns to a Championship!
8 million out of 208 million is cheap for a QB who can win with your team.
Most teams always drop below 500 when their starting QB is not playing.
Not all of us have forgotten how bad QB’s can be.
Browns management would be fools to let Keenan walk. Guy’s a winner, and has succeeded every time when called upon. Restructure his contract, ok, no problem. Replace him with MT… what a joke. Browns should be grateful to have the best back up in the league.
If I am not mistaken, the Clowns ie Browns won both games that Keenum started. He should have starred more due to Mayfield’s injuries and ability to perform at a high level.
Why would Keenum get only $1M if his contract says he would be owed $8M. I guess it was not guaranteed?
Good luck Case. I hope that you can find another gig before you hang it up.
The writer says Keenum played in only 2 games. That is false. He started 2 games and played in many more than that. Also false that the Browns decided to shut Mayfield down for the final game. Mayfield made that decision most likely because he didn’t want to start the final game at home the week after he threw 3 interceptions in a gruesome performance. If he started that last game the Cleveland fans would have booed him out of the stadium. He didn’t have the stomach for it.
Coaches use the terms “Shotgun” and “Pistol” to describe formations because “CANNON” was already taken by Case Keenum’s right arm…
Browns ownership made the wrong decision last year rolling with an injured Baker. Especially after week 7 when the had a healthy more blessed QB in Case Keenum. Browns could release Baker and save huge cap money to add additional playmakers! Keenum helped lead Vikings to 13 – 3 record and had best QBR, #1 rated under pressure, #1 rated in redzone, #1 rated at 20+ & 40+ yards passing. The Browns get him some down field threats and The players, team, fans, and organization will be smiling ear to ear! There’s a reason Case Keenum is most prolific passer in NCAA history. Undrafted and still in NFL 10 years later winning games when called on for different teams! Case is currently the NFL’s underdog story. I can’t wait for the movie! Hopefully several years to come.
Case is a good quarterback and could start for the Browns… Or Minnesota again if the Vikings decide to deal Kirk Cousins. To have a QB that can win for 8 Million? Think about how much flexibly that would give a team.