Case Keenum has played 13 seasons in the NFL, and he was nearly ready to hang up his cleats following the 2024 season. But the opportunity to join the Chicago Bears was just too much for him to pass up.
The Bears signed Keenum to a one-year deal in free agency to bring a needed addition behind second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Over the past two seasons, the Bears have relied on undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent to be the primary backup, and while he will compete with Keenum for the backup spot, having an experienced veteran like Keenum will be beneficial.
Keenum recently discussed what he likes about being part of the Chicago organization, after not knowing where his career was headed this offseason. But all it took was one meeting with new head coach Ben Johnson — and watching highlights of Williams — for Keenum to know that the Bears were a perfect spot for him.
“I mean, playing football. I love playing football,” Keenum said. “I’m basically a big kid, you know, and I’ve never had to grow up. To be honest, I was pretty close to being done after last year and being hurt, tough situation. The Bears called and I come up here and meet with Ben. It was supposed to be a 15-minute meeting, and felt like a couple hours later I’m like, ‘this is going to be this a special place.’
“Watched Caleb (Williams) from last year and was like, ‘holy cow, this guy’s really good.’ He’s got a chance to be a lot better. It’s been great. It’s been so much fun coming here and playing, being a part of that quarterback room and the offense. Working with Ben (Johnson), (offensive coordinator) Declan (Doyle), (quarterbacks coach) J.T. (Barrett), (pass game coordinator) Press (Taylor) and obviously with Caleb, Tyson (Bagent) and Austin (Reed), those guys in that room. It’s been really special for me. I’m enjoying it.”
Keenum is a veteran voice not only needed for Williams but the quarterbacks room as a whole. Having Keenum will help Williams transition to this new offense, and although the veteran has not been coached by Johnson in the past, his experience around the league should come into play when it comes to breaking down what Johnson wants to do with Williams.
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