Caleb Williams’ Bears add experience with the arrival of a former Josh Allen teammate in the Bills

Caleb Williams will be responsible on the field for leading his Chicago Bears into contention in the NFC North. It won’t be easy, of course. And that’s why, in recent hours, they’ve added an experienced NFL veteran, who was a teammate of Josh Allen in the Buffalo Bills among others, to be his new backup on the roster.

Case Keenum, one of the most experienced players at his position, reached an agreement with the franchise and joins Ben Johnson’s team after his last stint with the Houston Texans, where he served as a mentor to CJ Stroud.

The news was revealed hours ago by NFL insider Adam Schefter through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he provided more details regarding the veteran QB’s arrival to the Bears.

“Veteran QB Case Keenum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears, per source. Keenum now will help mentor Caleb Williams in Chicago like he did for CJ Stroud in Houston,” the insider reported via @AdamSchefter.

Case Keenum #18 of the Houston Texans after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

Keenum’s arrival in Chicago aims primarily to provide an experienced NFL backup if needed, while also offering his mentorship to a young Williams, who still has much to prove.

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Keenum’s extensive NFL career

With the main goal of surrounding Caleb Williams with the best support possible for the upcoming season, the Chicago Bears have secured the services of one of the most experienced quarterbacks currently in the league.

Case Keenum entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent, signing a deal with the Houston Texans, a team he would return to on two more occasions. Additionally, he had stints with the St. Louis Rams, which later became the Los Angeles Rams, the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Browns.

In 2022, the quarterback reached an agreement with the Buffalo Bills and joined their ranks in Orchard Park, where he shared the roster with the current league MVP, Josh Allen. His stay lasted a single season before he returned once again to the Texans.

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills shakes hands with Case Keenum #18 prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Johnson is betting on Williams’ talent

Ben Johnson knows that with Caleb Williams, he has his primary weapon to take down any opponent next season. In a recent conversation with the media, published through profootballnetwork.com, the former Lions OC made it clear why he’s betting on the former USC standout.

“He’s [Williams] been predominantly a shotgun quarterback for most of his high school and college career, and so he’s very comfortable there. We’re going to work to see the comfort level under center and how much of that applies.” He also added: “Whether that works for us in Chicago, time will tell.”