Houston moved Case Keenum back to the Rams for a conditional…
Houston moved Case Keenum back to the Rams for a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick after reclaiming him late in 2014. The return eventually became pick No. 235, which Houston later moved. Los Angeles got the more useful football asset: Keenum started five games in 2015, helped steady the offense late that season, and entered 2016 as the Rams' starter before Jared Goff took over.
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2016 7th round pick (235th overall subsequently traded, Lac Edwards)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Case Keenum
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Houston had Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer in its quarterback picture and chose to turn Case Keenum into a future late-round asset. The Rams, meanwhile, had previously lost Keenum when Houston claimed him from their practice squad in December 2014. Reacquiring him for a conditional seventh-round pick was a low-cost way to restore a familiar quarterback to the room.
What Each Side Received
The Rams received Keenum. Houston received a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick that became No. 235 and was later traded. The compensation was intentionally light because Keenum had only a limited NFL résumé, but the Rams were buying a player who already understood their system and could function as more than an emergency option.
How the Value Developed
Keenum eventually mattered. After beginning 2015 behind Nick Foles, he started five games and finished the season with 828 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Most importantly, the Rams won his final three starts, including a road victory at Seattle. He entered 2016 as the starter before the franchise transitioned to No. 1 pick Jared Goff. Houston's late pick never created comparable on-field value for the Texans.
Why Los Angeles Gets the Edge
This was not a blockbuster, but it is a clean example of useful quarterback depth being worth more than a late conditional selection. Los Angeles received starts, wins and temporary stability for one of the cheapest forms of draft compensation. Houston's decision was understandable because Keenum was expendable in its depth chart, yet the return had almost no lasting effect.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles earns a B+ for converting a conditional seventh-rounder into a quarterback who started meaningful games across two seasons. Houston gets a C: the Texans created a small asset from a player they did not plan to use, but the realized value was minimal. The Rams win the trade.