The Ben Johnson Era in the Windy City will officially kick off on Sunday when the Chicago Bears welcome the Miami Dolphins to Soldier Field for some NFL preseason action. Johnson and his coaching staff have worked hard throughout the offseason to make sure the Bears are on the same page, and this weekend's showdown is their first opportunity to prove that to be true.
As Chicago's current roster prepares for its preseason debut, a portion of Bears fans are wondering how the offseason is treating some of the franchise's former players. While some of those individuals are thriving in their new surroundings, one ex-Bears quarterback is still jobless as the preseason is about to begin.
Former Bears QB Nathan Peterman Is Still Unemployed in August
A glance at the list of available NFL free agents will reveal that former Bears QB Nathan Peterman is still jobless to begin August. With how quickly the offseason is progressing, time could be running out for him to secure a job before it's too late.
Peterman has spent time with five organizations since being drafted 171st overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2017, so no one would fault Bears fans for forgetting his time in Chicago. The ex-Tennessee/Pittsburgh signal-caller signed with the Bears ahead of the 2022 season and would go on to play five games (1 start) with them.
Much like everywhere else he went, Peterman's time in the Windy City was forgettable at best. He recorded a loss in his only start with the Bears, and finished his tenure by going only 14-of-25 (56.0%) in the pocket for 139 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 46.3 passer rating. He also recorded a fumble and three rushing yards on four carries, further adding to his uneventful run.
Interestingly enough, Peterman hasn't played a regular-season game since last appearing with the Bears in 2023. He spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders last year before being stuck on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad for the entire 2024 campaign.
With most QB rooms around the league filled, Peterman will likely need a preseason injury to open the door for him. Even though his NFL career hasn't been the most productive, he's still spent nearly a decade in the league, which is the type of experience that coaches will be looking for if any of their quarterbacks go down within the next few weeks.
For now, the ex-Bears QB will have to patiently wait for an opportunity to pop up, leaving time to tell if that door will open before Week 1 arrives.