Case Keenum Receives 1st-Round Tender from Rams: Latest Comments, Reaction
The Los Angeles Rams appear to be committing to Case Keenum as their starting quarterback for the 2016 season, giving the restricted free agent a first-round tender on Wednesday.
ESPN’s Adam Caplan initially reported the news. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed it soon after, indicating the Denver Broncos were “lurking” and perhaps waiting to see what the Rams opted to do with the 28-year-old signal-caller.
Keenum improbably took the starting reins from Nick Foles last season and played rather well in six games with five starts.
He helped the Rams to a three-game winning streak down the stretch, capped by a road win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. The former undrafted free agent posted a passer rating of 87.7 in 2015 and threw for 828 yards with four touchdowns and only one interception.
Football Outsiders’ Aaron Schatz weighed in on how thin the QB market is, using Keenum’s tender as context:
Although Keenum (6’1″, 205 lbs) lacks the prototypical size and elite physical tools often found in a franchise QB, he’s made up for those shortcomings with decent accuracy, competitive grit and has made the most of his opportunities.
The Rams franchise hasn’t settled on a solution under center for a prolonged period of time, which has held the team back from rising above mediocrity in recent years.
The hope is Keenum can run with the chance to be the starter. Head coach Jeff Fisher said in January that Keenum will return to the team atop the depth chart, per ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner.
“It’s the first time that I’ve had a coach believe in me through the offseason like this,” said Keenum of Fisher last week, per the Los Angeles Daily News‘ Vincent Bonsignore. “So, I’m excited about the position that I’m in and the position the team is in. I think we’re poised to make that next step and be a playoff contender.”
Keenum indeed has never had this type of support, having to journey around the NFL just for a chance to see the field. However, Keenum will face competition from Foles—if he’s still with the team, that is—and 2015 third-round pick Sean Mannion.
One big positive about running L.A.’s offense is Keenum benefits from a dynamic, game-changing playmaker in the backfield in Todd Gurley. The young phenom burst onto the scene as a rookie last year, finishing third in the NFL with 1,106 rushing yards despite missing three games while still recovering from a torn ACL.
If Gurley has even a competent passing attack to complement him, much greater things may be on the horizon.
According to Football Outsiders’ ratings, the Rams were also 24th in run blocking last season. Playoff contention is indeed a realistic possibility if L.A. can improve in that area.
Much of the potential progress hinges on if Keenum can keep defenses somewhat honest and prevent them from loading the box so often.
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