As the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Chicago Bears are poised to make one of the most consequential decisions in recent franchise history with the No. 1 overall pick. While speculation about the Bears’ selection has been filled with uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Bears’ future will hinge on the development of their quarterback, whether they decide to stick with Justin Fields or select USC’s Caleb Williams, widely regarded as the top prospect in this year’s draft.
In a move that has caught the attention of many, the Bears have announced that they are signing veteran quarterback Case Keenum to a one-year contract to serve as a mentor to the quarterback they select in the 2025 draft. The decision to bring in a seasoned professional like Keenum has generated significant buzz around the league and among fans, raising several important questions about the direction of the franchise and the role of mentorship in the development of young quarterbacks.
Who Is Case Keenum?
Case Keenum’s journey through the NFL has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted out of the University of Houston in 2012, Keenum fought his way onto the NFL scene, eventually becoming a journeyman quarterback who has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington Football Team, and Buffalo Bills.
Despite being labeled as a backup for much of his career, Keenum’s resilience and ability to perform in crucial moments have earned him respect around the league. His most notable achievement came in the 2017 season when he led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. His iconic “Minneapolis Miracle” moment, where he threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs in the playoffs, cemented his legacy as a reliable leader and clutch performer. Keenum’s career has been marked by moments of unexpected success, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 and a brief stint as a starter for the Washington Football Team and the Cleveland Browns.
Though Keenum is not a starter in the traditional sense anymore, his experience and leadership have made him a valuable asset to teams in need of a reliable veteran presence. His ability to break down defenses, manage a game, and work with young quarterbacks makes him an ideal mentor for a franchise that is on the cusp of making a potentially franchise-altering decision with their first-round pick.
Why Sign Case Keenum?
On the surface, the decision to sign Case Keenum to a one-year deal to mentor Caleb Williams may seem like a minor move, but the implications for the Bears’ long-term strategy are significant. For a team that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position for years, bringing in a seasoned veteran like Keenum makes perfect sense, particularly if they are planning to draft Caleb Williams.
1. Caleb Williams’ Development
The main reason for the Bears to sign Case Keenum is his role in the development of Caleb Williams, assuming the Bears select him with the No. 1 pick. Williams is widely regarded as the most talented quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, with his ability to read defenses, make accurate throws from the pocket, and extend plays with his legs. However, as with any young quarterback, the transition to the NFL is a monumental challenge, and Williams will need a solid support system to succeed.
Case Keenum, with over a decade of NFL experience, has witnessed the highs and lows of quarterbacking at the highest level. He knows what it takes to prepare for a season, manage expectations, and adapt to different systems. Keenum can help Williams adjust to the speed of the NFL game, learn how to read defenses, and handle the mental challenges that come with playing quarterback at the professional level. He can also serve as a sounding board for Williams when it comes to dealing with pressure, both on and off the field.
Mentorship from a quarterback like Keenum can go beyond just technical skills. Keenum’s leadership and ability to provide emotional support and guidance are just as crucial in a rookie’s development. Williams will inevitably face moments of adversity during his rookie season, and having a seasoned veteran who can offer advice, help him process challenges, and provide an example of resilience is invaluable. Keenum can help Williams navigate the mental side of the game, which is often just as important as the physical aspects.
2. Building a Strong Quarterback Room
The addition of Keenum can help stabilize the quarterback room in a year of major transition. If the Bears do select Caleb Williams, he will be entering a situation with heightened expectations, and surrounding him with experienced players who can provide insight will be essential. Keenum, with his understanding of both starting and backup roles, can also serve as a mentor for any backup quarterback that the Bears bring in to complement Williams.
Having a veteran like Keenum in the locker room provides a stabilizing presence, offering leadership in a room that could otherwise be full of uncertainty. Even if Williams struggles at times, having a mentor like Keenum can help him maintain confidence and grow in the system. Keenum has worked with a wide variety of coaches and offensive systems throughout his career, and his experience in different offenses could provide a fresh perspective on what works and what doesn’t.
Moreover, Keenum’s versatility as a backup quarterback who has been thrust into starting roles multiple times means he can offer guidance on how to thrive in different situations. Whether it’s stepping in during a season-ending injury or preparing for a high-pressure game, Keenum’s experience can prove invaluable to Williams as he adjusts to the NFL.
3. Support for Justin Fields (If He Stays)
Another potential benefit of signing Keenum is the support he could offer to Justin Fields if the Bears decide to retain him. While Fields is still the starting quarterback as of now, the possibility of selecting Caleb Williams has raised questions about Fields’ future in Chicago. Even if Fields remains with the team, having a veteran like Keenum could help him with his continued development, especially if the Bears decide to tweak their offensive system to better suit Fields’ skill set.
While Fields and Williams have very different playing styles, Keenum’s mentorship could benefit both quarterbacks. Fields, who has shown significant promise but remains inconsistent, could learn from Keenum’s ability to make quick decisions under pressure, manage a game, and stay calm in high-stakes moments. Keenum’s insights on preparation and mental resilience could be just as valuable to Fields as they would be to Williams.
4. Veteran Leadership for the Entire Team
Beyond the quarterback room, Keenum’s presence in the locker room can have a broader impact. The Bears are a young team with a lot of potential, and while they have a few experienced leaders, they lack a veteran quarterback who has been through the fire in high-pressure games. Keenum’s experience in playoff games, big moments, and leadership roles on multiple teams makes him an excellent addition to a Bears squad that needs more veteran leadership.
Keenum has proven himself to be a respected locker room presence, and his calm demeanor and ability to stay level-headed in tough situations are qualities that can influence the entire team. Whether the Bears are in a close game or dealing with a tough stretch in the season, Keenum’s leadership could prove vital in keeping the team focused and united. He has been around long enough to understand the ebbs and flows of an NFL season, and that knowledge can help keep the team grounded as they work toward building a more competitive future.
Case Keenum’s Fit With the Bears’ Offense
From an X’s and O’s perspective, Case Keenum’s experience in different offensive systems makes him a valuable asset to the Bears. Over the years, he has worked under a variety of offensive coordinators and head coaches, including Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams and Kevin Stefanski with the Cleveland Browns. This diversity of experience has allowed him to adapt to different styles of offense, from high-tempo, pass-heavy systems to more balanced, run-focused schemes.
If the Bears draft Caleb Williams or continue with Fields, Keenum’s adaptability can help him align with the offensive philosophy that new head coach Matt Eberflus wants to implement. Whether the offense emphasizes play-action, quick throws, or more traditional drop-back passing, Keenum can offer advice on how to execute in any system. His versatility also means he could be a valuable resource if the Bears decide to implement some unconventional or experimental strategies to unlock their quarterback’s potential.
Potential Risks and Concerns
While the signing of Case Keenum as a mentor is generally seen as a smart move, there are some potential risks and concerns. The most obvious risk is that Keenum’s age and declining skills may limit his ability to play effectively should he be called upon. Though he is an experienced and intelligent quarterback, his ability to contribute on the field as a backup is likely limited at this stage in his career.
Additionally, the Bears are taking a bit of a gamble in terms of how well Keenum’s mentorship will translate to success with either Caleb Williams or Justin Fields. Mentorship is highly dependent on chemistry and personality, and while Keenum is known for being a strong leader, there is always the risk that the relationship might not work as well as expected.
Finally, there is the question of whether Keenum will be able to make a significant difference in the long-term development of the quarterbacks on the roster. While he can certainly offer guidance, ultimately, the responsibility for the success of Williams or Fields rests on their ability to adapt to the NFL, execute under pressure, and grow over time.