Heading into Chicago Bears camp and preseason, it was fair to wonder if Case Keenum's future could be a bit in question. As valued as the veteran quarterback has been, we are only one year removed from head coach Ben Johnson talking the veteran out of retirement to help mentor Case Keenum. Fast forward to the start of the 2026 preseason, and the 38 year old Keenum quickly put to bed any thought that retirement or a surprise roster cut could be on the table.
The quarterback finished 9/10 for 151 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, as well as a surprise scramble to set up short yardage on a late down. It is hard to play the position any better, with Keenum showing off his decision-making and arm looking the part of an experienced quarterback playing against a vanilla defense
It should be noted here that even if Keenum hadn't of been dominating or was considering walking away, it is a fair expectation that when that day comes, he will be a part of Johnson's staff. The respect throughout the building and on the field for the aging quarterback is clear. It is also telling that Keenum has been present along with Johnson's staff, throughout Caleb Williams breaking out.
When the day comes that Keenum does decide to walk away it would be shocking not to see the Bears make a move to make sure he remains on the staff. A day that doesn't appear to be coming anytime soon if the quarterback's preseason debut was any indication.
Bears Quarterback Case Keenum Makes Last Year's Retirement Rumor Look Laughable
Johnson talking this version of Keenum out of retirement a season ago is objectively amusing when you look at the current level of play. Preseason action might be against backups and fringe roster pieces, but quarterbacks are still required to make difficult throws and prove their decision-making can be consistent. Miller Moss and Tyson Bagent were prime examples of this struggling to make consistent decisions in the needed time.
For the Bears, this gives the franchise a great level of confidence that Keenum can step in if forced into action and give the team a puncher's chance in a short window. While this ideally will never happen, you're at least relieved to see that it is a clear possibility.
No question, there is nowhere to go but down from here for Keenum in preseason action. This was a dominating performance, putting to bed any questions about the veteran's age and whether a transition to the coaching staff could be coming. While it remains likely in the future, there is no questioning that the ability is there after an undeniably elite performance.
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