Redskins set to acquire Keenum from Broncos

The Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos have agreed to a trade that will send displaced starting quarterback Case Keenum to D.C., multiple outlets reported Thursday. According to multiple outlets, the Broncos will send a 2020 seventh-round pick for Washington's 2020 sixth-rounder as part of the deal. According to 9News Denver, Keenum's contract -- which previously included $18 million in salary for 2019, $7 million of which is guaranteed -- will be reworked so that Keenum earns $7.5 million in 2019, with Denver paying $4 million of that figure.

NFL Network reported Keenum was Washington's preferred option among available quarterbacks, as the team seeks a signal-caller to compete with Colt McCoy while Alex Smith tries to return from a compound fracture suffered last November and additional complications post-surgery. The deal cannot be official until the new league year opens on Wednesday.

The Broncos, who will officially acquire Joe Flacco from the Baltimore Ravens at that time, were motivated to trade Keenum instead of releasing him because of additional salary cap savings. Releasing Keenum would have saved Denver $11 million while leaving $10 million in dead money. Under the reported parameters of the deal, the Broncos would save an additional $3 million against the cap. Keenum, 31, threw for 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last season after joining the Broncos on a two-year, $36 million pact in free agency. He had easily the best season of his career in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Washington had previously been connected to top quarterbacks prospects available in the draft and to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, who could become available via trade if the Cardinals take Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick.