Heading into free agency, the Denver Broncos made it clear that they were looking to address their quarterback situation after missing the playoffs each of the last two seasons. The front office acted fast, agreeing to a two-year, $36 million deal with Case Keenum to step in as the starting quarterback for 2018, and possibly beyond.
The Broncos were long rumored to be interested in Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, but nothing truly came about from that as the 29-year-old signed with the Minnesota Vikings instead. According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, general manager John Elway said that Keenum is the QB Denver primary targeted during Friday's introductory press conference.
John Elway: "We looked at everybody. … Case was our guy. We figured that there's a special fit for everybody. All those other quarterbacks are good players. … I think it's arguable that, even though Kirk got the most (attention), who had the best year?"
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 16, 2018
Keenum has certainly made a strong case for that argument given that he is coming off a career-best campaign, compiling 3,547 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions while holding a 98.3 quarterback rating in 15 games played. He also finished second in the league with a 67.8 percent completion rate and seventh in quarterback rating. He posted a passer rating above 100 eight times while throwing multiple touchdowns seven times.
The 30-year-old accomplished all of this while leading the Minnesota Vikings to their first NFC Championship game appearance in eight years. Keenum is stepping into a similar opportunity, as Denver possesses one of the league's top defenses. He will also have a few proven offensive weapons alongside him in wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and running back C.J. Anderson.
Keenum has the tough task of navigating through the AFC West, which features some formidable teams in the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. Each of these franchises possesses the talent to contend for the division title, or at least the playoffs.
What should also be noted is that the Broncos are still in the position to potentially take one of the top quarterbacks in the year's draft with the fifth overall selection. This could also lift the level of expectations on Keenum to build off his career year last season to lead the team to success.
With the Vikings organization showing their belief in Keenum, it will be in his hands to take advantage of the situation in front of him in 2018.
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