\nMoments after the draft ended the Chicago Bears got back to work. The Bears have signed Austin Reed an undrafted free-agent quarterback from Western Kentucky.
![\"Chicago](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1125,w_2000,x_0,y_59\/c_fill,f_auto,h_900,q_auto,w_1600\/v1\/m\/8\/8\/882e1304daaedc3e9033ef686c72dee4a1054dfc\/mar-2-2024-indianapolis-usa-western-kentucky.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Chicago Bears sign undrafted project QB from Western Kentucky
\nMoments after the draft ended the Chicago Bears got back to work. The Bears have signed Austin Reed an undrafted free-agent quarterback from Western Kentucky.<\/p>\n
Tyson Bagent is the current backup QB. And he should be the backup QB by default, before a QB competition. Bagent played decently in Justin Fields\u2019 absence in 2023. Bagent even led the Chicago Bears to a couple of wins.<\/p>\n
Reed will likely be part of a QB competition in camp to find out who deserves to be on the roster. Reed could become QB 3 and replace Brett Rypien.<\/p>\n
As far as primary backup goes, Bagent has the benefit of being last year\u2019s backup QB. The Chicago Bears already know what Bagent can do. Reed would have to stun the team to dethrone Bagent from his QB 2 spot.<\/p>\n
Analysis
\nBelow is a brief overview of Austin Reed\u2019s game from NFL analyst Lance Zierlein:<\/p>\n
\u201cReed has impressive career production but lacks NFL traits for the position. He benefited from a scheme that featured almost 30 percent of his throws targeted behind the line of scrimmage in 2023 \u2014 and he still completed under 60 percent of his passes, per Pro Football Focus.<\/p>\n
While his receivers dropped too many easy throws, Reed often lacked the touch and accuracy needed to make their jobs easier. He\u2019s a competitor who can slip away from pressure and make plays out of structure, but he simply doesn\u2019t have the arm to make the intermediate and deep throws required for the position in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n
Highlights
\nBelow is a short highlight reel from Austin Reed\u2019s career at Western Kentucky. This will provide a solid taste of what the rookie has in his toolbox.<\/p>\n
Breakdown
\nThere isn\u2019t a lot to say about this signing. Zierlein put it best, Reed is a very raw prospect. Reed could become a solid backup QB in the NFL. He has a lot of development to get to that point.<\/p>\n
His ability to escape and his pressure awareness are two major strengths. His arm needs work, in multiple aspects. From deep ball accuracy to release point, he needs to rework his mechanics.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t really an issue though, he\u2019s an undrafted free agent after all. The Chicago Bears didn\u2019t risk much to take a flyer on Reed. Bring him to training camp and see what he looks like. It is very possible he doesn\u2019t make the 53 man roster. Or perhaps Reed becomes a practice squad player for depth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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