Rams Roster Review: Case Keenum, Quarterback

Case Keenum joined the the St. Louis Rams this offseason for the second time in his career when the Rams traded a seventh round draft pick in the 2016 NFL draft to acquire Keenum in March. The quarterback will look to plant himself firmly in the back up role while competing with Austin Davis, and rookie Sean Mannion.

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Keenum began his NFL career in 2012 when he was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie. He would spend the entire 2012 season on the practice squad. The following year Keenum would make the Texans’ 53-man roster as the third string quarterback behind starter Matt Schaub and backup T.J. Yates. Keenum would be named the starter in week 7, after Schaub went down with an injury and Yates was passed over because of poor play.

Keenum would throw for 271 yards and a touchdown in his pro debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the Texans would lose that game 17-16. He had some notable moments as a starting quarterback. Including a three touchdown performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, Keenum would not help his team to even one victory as a starting quarterback in 2013. He posted a record of 0-8, but threw for over 1,700 yards and nine touchdowns.

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

During the Summer of 2014, Keenum was waived by Houston after they acquired Ryan Mallett from the New England Patriots. He was claimed by the Rams quickly after. However, just as soon as he arrived it seemed, in October of the same year he was waived once again so St. Louis could make room on their roster for newly acquired safety Mark Barron. Keenum would be signed to the Rams practice squad.

In what can only be described as mockery by the football gods, Keenum was once again signed to the active roster of the Houston Texans. This time to replace the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick. He would play in two games accumulating less than 450 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. However, he would win both games he played in.

Now having been re-acquired by St. Louis Keenum must make an impact to make this a long term relationship. Keenum, although acquired via trade, does not hold an advantage over either Davis or the rookie Mannion. The only certainty it seems in the Rams quarterback room is that Nick Foles slates to be the week 1 starter. Keenum must produce better results to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but Davis has a good understanding of the offense and Mannion was a third round selection for a team that doesn’t normally invest high draft picks on quarterbacks.