Jimmy Clausen signs with Chicago Bears
By Chris Walder
Former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen has signed a deal with the Chicago Bears.
More from Chicago Bears
- Ryan Poles’ first contract extension as Bears GM is a big one
- NFL rumors: 3 edge rushers Bears could still add to fill glaring need
- Justin Fields, self-proclaimed Top 5 rushing QB ever, eyes elusive Bears record
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL coach bashes the Bears for letting star leave
There has been no official announcement from the team as of yet.
Clausen spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers after being drafted with the 48th overall pick in 2010 NFL draft.
He played 13 games in his rookie season, throwing for 1,558 yards, nine interceptions and just three touchdowns with a QB rating of 58.4. He also fumbled the ball seven times.
The Panthers drafted Cam Newton out of Auburn the following year, demoting Clausen in the process. The signing of Derek Anderson pushed Clausen down to third-string as well.
After not playing a single game from 2011 to 2012, the Panthers waived an injured (torn labrum in throwing shoulder) Clausen on Aug. 31, 2013. He wound up on the Panthers’ injured reserved list after going through waivers unclaimed.
The 26-year-old underwent surgery on Sep. 11 with orthopedist James Andrews.
Clausen will get a chance to compete for the backup quarterback slot in Chicago.
In an interview with Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports in April, Clausen expressed his desire to get another chance to play and maybe even be a starter once again in the NFL:
"That’s what I want. The only thing I can ask for is an opportunity — a legit opportunity to compete to be a No. 2 and hopefully work my way up.It’s tough. Obviously, I’m a competitor and want to get somewhere and compete."
Clausen is still young and hopefully healthy enough to make an impact if given an opportunity. Time will tell if he’ll get that chance in Chicago. It’s Jay Cutler’s team until proven otherwise.