The NFL offseason is all about learning what players will be around the 2025 season and beyond. Training camp and the last two preseason games have allowed certain players to stand out.
While that is great for certain players, former Texans QB Case Keenum looks to be one step closer to retirement after the latest news. On Wednesday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Bears are signing QB Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million contract extension worth up to $16M with incentives.
This deal keeps him locked into Chicago through the 2027 season and firmly places him as QB2 for the Bears. And this development pushes Keenum a step closer to retirement.
The #Bears are signing QB Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million contract extension worth up to $16M with incentives, his reps at Milk and Honey Sports and Key Player Management tell The Insiders.@CHGO_Bears first reported the deal, which ties Bagent to Chicago through 2027. pic.twitter.com/rL2XgKK2qF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 20, 2025
Former Texans QB Case Keenum Is a Step Closer to Retirement
Keenum was on the verge of retirement last offseason before Bears head coach Ben Johnson convinced him to sign with Chicago. Johnson felt that his experience would be a valuable asset for Caleb Williams.
Keenum has spent 11 years in the league, and three of them came with the Texans. He started in 12 games for Houston, going 3-9 in those outings. Keenum went 216-of-383 (56.4%) for 2,486 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Even though he didn't have the most success with the Texans, he has shown the ability to be a quality high-end backup throughout his career. There's a reason why he suited up the Texans, Rams, Browns, Broncos, Vikings, Commanders, and Bills.
Nonetheless, Keenum is 37 years old and will be turning 38 years old in February. Time is always moving forward, and that is the case here. With Keenum now the QB3 in Chicago, it looks very clear that he may not be viewed as a backup in the league anymore. At least in Chicago.
In his lone preseason outing, Keenum was 8-of-10 for 80 yards and two touchdowns. While he still may be able to play if needed, Chicago is rolling with the younger guys and will use Keenum as a springboard for questions with their young QBs.
Considering he was close to retiring last year, it's not hard to imagine him walking off in the sunset following the 2025 season and hanging up the cleats.