The Chicago Bears are looking to make a jump in Caleb Williams's second season as the team's starting quarterback.
With a wealth of new weapons around him, and one of the brightest offensive minds in the game in first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 draft has everything he needs for a successful season.
While there has never been any question that Williams will be the Week 1 starter for Chicago, the pecking order of quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart has been less certain. That situation will play itself out during camp, though, as all hands will be on deck this week for the team's first practice.
Three veterans are competing for, at the absolute most, two spots, and the battle should be a tight one throughout camp.
Case Keenum Finally Cleared to Join Bears After Passing Physical
Veteran quarterback Case Keenum is firmly in the running to be the primary backup to Williams after Bears coach Ben Johnson talked him out of retirement. If Johnson didn't believe Keenum could be a difference-maker in the QB room and on the practice field as a mentor for Williams, he wouldn't be in the Windy City.
This makes Keenum's passing of his physical newsworthy, as he will officially be available on the opening day of camp.
#Bears quarterback Case Keenum activated after passing physical
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 20, 2025
With Keenum, Tyson Bagnet, and Austin Reed all competing for the available spots on the depth chart behind Caleb Williams, everything that trio does on and off the field will be placed under a microscope by fans and media alike.
Despite his resume and his connection with Johnson, Keenum won't have this job handed to him on a silver platter. Like any position battle on a team with expectations of being great, he will have to earn the role he desires. With the physical taken care of and no longer an issue, the time is now for Keenum to show his worth on the practice field.
Expect all eyes to be locked in on the quarterbacks and how they fare over the coming weeks as the Bears work toward finalizing their 53-man roster.