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Arizona Cardinals: Acquiring Case Keenum would make sense

By Jim Koch

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos throws against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos throws against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Head coach Kliff Kingsbury could look to a face from his past to upgrade the Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback position

The Arizona Cardinals quarterback position has gotten some attention this past week. Oklahoma signal-caller Kyler Murray announced that he was choosing football over baseball, immediately igniting speculation that the Cards would have interest. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury emphatically denied the rumors, telling anyone who would listen that Josh Rosen is his guy.

What hasn’t been discussed this offseason is Arizona’s backup at the spot. That job currently belongs to Mike Glennon, a 29-year old former draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran has one season left on a two-year deal he signed in 2018.

This past Wednesday’s trade that sent Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos presents an interesting scenario, however. Case Keenum, who started 16 games for the Broncos last season, should now become available. Could the Cardinals look to acquire the 30-year old journeyman?

Interestingly, Kingsbury and Keenum worked together at the University of Houston. The Cards’ new leader held the titles of co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks’ coach and offensive quality control coach during a four-year stint (2008-11) at the school. Keenum’s 19,217 passing yards and 155 touchdown tosses with the Cougars, amassed under Kingsbury’s watch, are both NCAA records.

If acquired by Arizona, Keenum could serve as both a quality backup and tutor for Rosen. The 6’1, 215 pounder has a familiarity with KIngsbury’s scheme that could prove invaluable to the new face of the Cardinals franchise. Keenum would also bring with him a wealth of inexperience that includes 54 career starts.

Of course, Keenum would have to be released by Denver for the Cards to even consider bringing him to the desert. The former undrafted free agent is due a base salary of $18 million in 2019, a number that’s obviously out of the question for a second-teamer.

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A reunion between Kingsbury and Keenum sounds intriguing. Having two quarterbacks who can be counted on is extremely important in today’s NFL. How interested Arizona’s front office would be in such an idea remains to be seen.

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