Keenum ‘shocked,’ ‘disappointed’ by Broncos trade for Flacco
Feb 21, 2019, 10:57 AM | Updated: Feb 22, 2019, 8:05 am
While many in Broncos Country were taken off guard by Denver agreeing to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens for Joe Flacco, the team’s current quarterback, Case Keenum, feels a little surprised as well.
In his first public comments since news of the trade broke last week, Keenum said on the Sports Spectrum Podcast this week he was “definitely shocked” to hear Denver would acquire Flacco.
“(Broncos general manager John) Elway called me that morning, and we had a great conversation, which he didn’t have to do. I appreciated that,” Keenum said. “You know, I was definitely shocked. It was a surprise for us. And I think probably for the first day or so that’s kind of what it was.
“But, for us, we’re definitely disappointed. It’s not something we wanted to happen.”
The trade, which cannot be formalized until the NFL’s new league year on March 13, likely means Keenum’s time in Denver is likely over after just one season of his two-year, $36 million deal he signed this past offseason.
“I know that everybody’s doing their job, and John feels like that was a chance for him to help the Broncos out,” Keenum said. “For us, it’s another chapter in our lives, and we’re going to roll with it.
“We’re going to approach this like I do everything in my entire life, and it’s not by accident that this has happened. It’s just another chapter and another opportunity to overcome some adversity in my life.”
As for his time in Denver, Keenum called it “really special” and he “enjoyed every second of it.”
“I’ve absolutely been so proud to wake up every day and to walk into that building and to represent the Broncos as their quarterback,” Keenum said. “I know the tradition and history the Broncos have at quarterback, especially, and it was an honor. It was an honor to represent them.”
Following a career year in 2017, wherein he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC championship, Keenum regressed in 2018 in his first season with the Broncos.
On the way to a 6-10 record, Keenum threw for 3,890 yards — a career high — with 18 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 62.3. Of 33 quarterbacks eligible, Keenum ranked 29th in total QBR in 2018.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
