The Chicago Bears made one of their most significant additions in the late stages of pre-2025 NFL Draft free agency, signing journeyman quarterback Case Keenum in free agency. The move drew commentary about second-year QB Caleb Williams.
SB Champ Weighs In on Caleb Williams After Bears Sign Case Keenum
Case Keenum Adds to Strong Offseason for Bears QB1 Caleb Williams
Williams is coming off a polarizing rookie season. He flashed his potential. He also showed he was further away from being what he can be as a QB than the Bears thought. But Super Bowl champion cornerback Jason McCourty says Williams is set up for success.
“No player has had a better offseason than Caleb Williams,” McCourty, now an analyst for CBS Sports, posted on X on April 3 in reaction to Keenum’s signing.
“Veteran QB Case Keenum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears, per source,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on April 3. “Keenum now will help mentor Caleb Williams in Chicago like he did for CJ Stroud in Houston.”
Keenum, 37, began his career with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
He has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
Keenum’s addition is part of an offseason plan that included overhauling the interior of the offensive line with Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson. The biggest addition was Ben Johnson as head coach. The Bears have done well to add to their skill positions in recent years. They could to the backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bears Reverse Course on Backup QB Plan
Keenum’s addition may or may not impact 2024 QB2 Tyson Bagent, who is entering his third year with the team. It was important for Bears general manager Ryan Poles to get the right fit for the room, though.
Poles and former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus were asked about adding an experienced backup during training camp in 2024.
They instead rode with Bagent, an undrafted free agent in 2023.
The NFL’s new rules on keeping a third quarterback in uniform but not having them count against the game-day roster is key. That could allow the Bears to keep all three of Williams, Bagent, and Keenum – who did not throw a pass in 2024 – ready on game days.