The Chicago Bears have added a veteran arm to the quarterback room by signing Case Keenum to a one-year deal potentially worth as much as $3 million. It provides the Bears with an experienced backup and is also a good means of providing Quarterback Caleb Williams with a sage mentor. Keenum, 37, has been a member of eight different teams during his 13-year career and brings an incredible level of experience to Chicago. With Tyson Bagent and Austin Reed on the roster also, the Bears now have a veteran quarterback depth chart.
Keenum Brings Experience To Chicago
Keenum spent the last two years with the Houston Texans but did not play at all during the 2023 season due to a foot injury. Despite this, he has been a reliable backup and spot starter throughout his career with 66 starts and over 15,000 passing yards. His best year came in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings when he led the team to the NFC Championship Game. Today, he arrives in a Bears franchise that has invested heavily in helping their young franchise quarterback.
Chicago signing Keenum is one of the ways they are building a strong support system for Williams. Keenum’s background playing in a variety of different offensive systems makes him an asset to the quarterback room. He was last season’s mentor in Houston for C.J. Stroud. The Bears would like him to be that for Williams in Chicago. Having him around provides a veteran voice that will assist Williams in adjusting to the NFL way of life.
A Mentor To Caleb Williams
Williams, the top choice of the 2024 NFL Draft, came into the league with expectations through the roof. The Bears have already started protecting him by building up their offensive line and now offer an experienced mentor to help develop him.
Keenum’s understanding of the game and the ability to take apart defenses will be worth gold to the young rising star. While Williams’ starting spot is more than secured, having Keenum on hand is insurance against injury. It requires more than athletic prowess to make a young quarterback great. It requires maturity and growth in the mind.
Keenum has played in various offensive systems and can help Williams adjust to multiple defensive formations. Off the field, his role will be to guide Williams through game preparation and studying the film. For an organization that has struggled through its history to develop quarterbacks, the signing of a quality veteran like Keenum is a good move.
Final Thoughts
Keenum’s signing by the Bears is yet another step in giving Williams the optimal opportunity to be successful. His experience and leadership will be beneficial, both on the sidelines and in the locker room. While he will not see much playing time, perhaps his presence will be the difference-maker for Williams’ sophomore season. If all goes well, Keenum’s tutelage will help the Bears develop their young quarterback into a franchise building block.
