Current Chicago Bears backup quarterback Case Keenum was reportedly ready to call it a career. A meeting with head coach Ben Johnson completely changed Keenum's mind, with the quarterback noting it is "going to be a special place." This is the level of excitement Johnson and a young Chicago roster are generating. It didn't take the veteran quarterback long to recognize what the Bears are in the process of building and wanting to be a part of it.
Keenum has spent time with the Rams, Vikings, Broncos, Commanders, Browns, Bills, and Texans. The quarterback is perhaps best remembered for being a part of the "Minneapolis Miracle." The iconic play would define the career of Stefon Diggs and give the Vikings the best moment in recent playoff history. Keenum would spend an additional season starting in Denver before transitioning into a backup role.
Case Keenum is the Perfect Steadying Force Behind Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams
Bears backup QB Case Keenum: "I was pretty close to being done after last year ... the Bears called, came up here to meet with Ben (Johnson). Supposed to be a 15-minute meeting. A couple hours later ... this is going to be a special place."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 28, 2025
Keenum is content being the experienced veteran sitting behind the starting quarterback. The veteran isn't coming in looking to challenge Williams or believing there is any chance of working his way into the starting lineup. Keenum's full focus is going to be on preparing in case of injury, and more importantly, working to help Williams take the next step in his career.
Ben Johnson talking the quarterback out of retirement speaks to how important he is for the franchise. While Keenum may never take a snap for the Bears, his presence carries immense value. Being able to help calm Williams and explain what the second-year pro might be missing when reading the field.
It is the type of veteran signing the Bears should have brought in a season ago during Caleb's rookie year. While it was a mistake, Ben Johnson has wasted no time fixing the issue. Keenum pushing off retirement for at least another season serves as a reminder of how exciting both Williams and the Chicago roster as a whole are from the outside.
Bears fans jaded by years of frustrated hopes could find it easy to remain skeptical of the 2025 season and what reasonable expectations might be. However, Keenum's choice to put off retirement and the quarterback's obvious excitement to join the franchise speak to where the team is headed and why this will finally be the year the Bears take a meaningful step forward.