CHICAGO — Experienced quarterback Case Keenum is returning to the NFC North.

The Chicago Bears have signed the 37-year-old Keenum to a one-year deal valued at up to $3 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Keenum gained recognition during the 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings, guiding the team to the NFC Championship Game. Over his 14-year NFL career, he has played for seven different teams and most recently spent two seasons in Houston, mentoring quarterback C.J. Stroud.

That’s expected to be Keenum’s role in Chicago as well, helping guide Caleb Williams as he enters his second NFL season. While the Bears also have Tyson Bagent and Austin Reed in their quarterback lineup, none bring as much experience as Keenum, who has started 66 games in his career and has thrown for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions.

This signing is part of the Bears’ broader efforts to nurture Williams’ development, after selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. The team also brought in three veteran offensive linemen through trades and free agency and added wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay, and Miles Boykin this offseason.

Keenum is expected to serve as the third-string quarterback, behind Bagent, who has held the backup role since joining the Bears as an undrafted rookie in 2023.