Case Keenum To Baltimore Ravens Rumors

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody is seemingly playing connect the dots in regards to rumors that the Baltimore Ravens might be interested in former Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum.  Keenum played for new Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak when he was the head coach of the Texans last season, so he is most definitely familiar with the offense.

Jamison Hensley at ESPN is among those who are fueling the Case Keenum to Baltimore Ravens rumors following his release from the Texans yesterday, even going so far as to suggest that Keenum would be a better fit as a backup than Tyrod Taylor.  Keenum was no longer needed after the Texans traded for New England Patriots backup Ryan Mallet.

Keenum started eight games for the Texans and Kubiak last season, and completed 137 of 253 pass attempts (54%) for 1,760 yards (6.96 average) and 9 touchdowns with 6 interceptions.  Keenum proved to be a little overwhelmed as a starter, but is still young and fairly raw after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

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Keenum started out hot last season after replacing an ineffective Matt Schaub, and was very effective off play action while showing impressive athleticism.  He was quickly exposed by his inability to pick up the blitz, however, which ultimately led to his downfall.  Keenum was sacked 19 times in 2013, and wound up 0-8 as a a starter.

Keenum still has a lot of potential, and projects to be at the very least a midlevel backup for many years to come in the quarterback starved NFL.  If he can continue to develop and learn, Keenum could prove to be a cheaper upgrade for the Ravens, who likely remain unsold on current backup Tyrod Taylor.

The Ravens are seemingly set at the developmental quarterback position after spending a draft pick on Keith Wenning and signing him to the practice squad this week, but Taylor is in a contract year and the team may want to give themselves another option for a long term backup.

Joe Flacco still has quite a few years left in the league as a starter, so the team would be wise to continue their search for a secondary option that has the ability to keep the offense moving and win some games should he be injured.  Keenum just might be a smart and cheap pickup with plug and play potential, and the Ravens would be wise to give him a long look.