Signing Case Keenum
The Broncos had been linked throughout the offseason to free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, whose list seemingly dwindled to the Jets and Vikings before free agency even began.
The Broncos spoke with Cousins’ agent throughout the offseason, but never officially made him an offer.
That’s because the guy they wanted was former Vikings starter and Minneapolis Miracle maker Case Keenum.
Keenum played as a ‘relief’ starter for the Vikings and injured quarterback Sam Bradford last offseason, and he played at an MVP caliber level.
Keenum helped lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship game and really appeared to have turned a corner in his up and down NFL career.
The addition of Keenum immediately changed the culture of the Denver Broncos and perhaps changed the franchise’s course altogether.
If the Broncos had quarterback play even close to what Keenum gave the Vikings in 2017, it would have been tough for them to lose games with the defense they have in place.
Keenum showed in 2017 that he is more than just a competent starter, but a playmaker in the face of pressure and someone who can help elevate the level of players around him.
He signed with the Broncos for two years, $36 million, though the Broncos put a lot more faith in him with how they would proceed at quarterback the rest of the offseason.