Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

64-game starting quarterback named an ‘interesting’ Jets trade target

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 9/13/23

With an Achilles injury ending Aaron Rodgers' 2023 season just four plays into his Jets tenure, New York is handing the keys to their offense to former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson.

"I want to make it very clear, Zach's our quarterback. We have a lot of faith in Zach. We're rolling with Zach and excited for him," head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday.

Despite their public-facing faith in Wilson, The Athletic's Dianna Russini has reported that the organization has begun contacting veteran free-agent signal-callers. Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz have been the most prominent players suggested as potential free-agent options for the Jets. However, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team floated the idea of New York taking a different route, naming Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum as an "interesting trade name" to monitor for the Jets.

An interesting trade name for the #Jets that hasn't been mentioned much and could make some sense: #Texans QB Case Keenum.

Houston already has CJ Stroud and Davis Mills on the roster. Keenum has plenty of playing experience and would fit the Jets' offensive scheme.

Zach Wilson… pic.twitter.com/2Juft9HNwd
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023

Keenum, currently serving as the No. 3 quarterback in Houston behind rookie C.J. Stroud and backup Davis Mills, is the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yards (19,217) and passing touchdowns (155). His most prolific season in the pros came back in 2017 when he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 13-3 record, totaling 23 touchdowns.

Now 35 years old, Keenum boasts plenty of playing experience in the pros, starting 64 games over his 11-year career. Leading up to this year's roster cut deadline, Russini reported that the Texans were receiving calls from teams interested in possibly trading for Keenum.

If the Jets want to give Wilson a legitimate opportunity to nail down the QB1 job in New York, Keenum should catapult toward the top of their wish list. Keenum is a wily veteran who doesn't boost the extravagant fanfare or public persona that can tear down a quarterback room. Yet, while he's an ideal candidate to hold the clipboard for the Jets, he's also more than capable of taking the helm if called upon.

In 78 career games, Keenum has thrown 78 touchdowns to 48 interceptions.

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