Cleveland Browns signing Case Keenum already showing its importance

The Cleveland Browns gave Baker Mayfield a veteran presence for the regular season with Case Keenum, but the signing is already showing its importance.

The Cleveland Browns were extremely active during the first days of free agency, as they made several signings. The Browns came to agreements with key offensive players on the first day of the legal tampering period, including the signing of Case Keenum.

The addition of Keenum gave the Browns a veteran presence in the quarterback room to help mentor the two other quarterbacks on Cleveland’s roster, Baker Mayfield and Garrett Gilbert. Keenum understood what his role would be, and he welcomed the opportunity with the Browns.

His presence in the meeting rooms will be helpful for the other Browns quarterbacks because Keenum has previous experience with head coach, and potential play-caller, Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski was Keenum’s quarterback coach in 2017, which was Keenum’s best season of career.

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With his starting experience, Keenum will be helpful in preparing Mayfield prior to games and getting the game plan in order. Keenum has also proven to be a reliable game manager, which is what the Browns needed in case Mayfield is forced to miss snaps.

Keenum’s addition is already paying off for the Browns, even before the team takes the field for their first workout of 2020. Keenum’s presence on the roster will be important because the Browns will not be able to take the practice field together for what will likely be an extended period.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and around the world, the NFL has indefinitely suspended the offseason workout programs and forced teams to shut down their facilities for the time being. This is going to cause the coaching staff’s to not have an opportunity to work hands-on with their players for a while.

This is important for the Browns because Stefanski and the offensive coaching staff will be installing a new offensive system. Not being able to work with the players directly could create some issues for the players, including Mayfield.

However, since Keenum has some familiarity with Stefanski and his verbiage, Mayfield will have some extra help when it comes to understanding the offense. Keenum said Mayfield reached out to him immediately after reports of his signing, so they are quickly building a relationship.

Although it may not be any different with hands-on communication, Keenum would be able to give his first-hand experience of working with Stefanski and could help any questions from Mayfield. It may have only been a season and not completely Stefanski’s offense, but Keenum spending a season with Stefanski will give Mayfield extra knowledge to lean on.

The longer the NFL suspends team activities during the world health crisis, the more important Keenum’s signing becomes for Mayfield and the offense. It may not have been the biggest move for the Browns this offseason, but Keenum’s signing could emerge as one of the key additions for the 2020 season.