What Happened to Case Keenum?
Case Keenum is a veteran American football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears. After a record-setting college career at the University of Houston, Keenum entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and has since played for nine different teams, notably leading the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship in 2017. As of September 2026, he is slated to start for the Bears in Week 3 due to injuries to the team's top two quarterbacks.
Quick Answer
Case Keenum is currently a quarterback for the Chicago Bears, having re-signed with the team on a two-year deal in March 2026. As of September 28, 2026, the 38-year-old veteran is expected to start for the Bears in their Week 3 Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, stepping in due to injuries to starting quarterback Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent. He primarily served as the third-string quarterback in 2025 and has not attempted a regular-season pass since 2023.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Record-Setting College Career at Houston
Case Keenum plays for the University of Houston, setting NCAA Division I FBS records for career passing yards (19,217), passing touchdowns (155), and total offense (20,114 yards). He is the only Division I quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in three separate seasons.
Signed by Houston Texans as Undrafted Free Agent
After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Keenum signs with his hometown team, the Houston Texans.
NFL Debut with Texans
Keenum makes his NFL debut in Week 7 and starts eight games for the Texans, throwing for 1,760 yards and nine touchdowns.
Stints with Rams and Texans
Keenum is waived by the Texans, signed to the St. Louis Rams' practice squad, re-signed by the Texans, and then traded back to the Rams (who later become the Los Angeles Rams), where he makes 14 starts over two seasons.
Signs with Minnesota Vikings
Keenum signs with the Minnesota Vikings, initially as a backup quarterback.
Leads Vikings to NFC Championship Game
After Sam Bradford's injury, Keenum takes over as the starting quarterback, leading the Vikings to a 13-3 record, an NFC North title, and the NFC Championship Game, highlighted by the 'Minneapolis Miracle' play.
Signs with Denver Broncos
Following his successful season with the Vikings, Keenum signs a two-year, $36 million contract with the Denver Broncos, starting all 16 games and setting career highs in passing yards (3,890).
Plays for Washington Redskins
Keenum is traded to the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) where he plays in 10 games, making 8 starts.
Backup for Cleveland Browns
Keenum signs a three-year, $18 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, serving as a backup and appearing in nine games over two seasons.
Stint with Buffalo Bills
Keenum is traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he serves as a backup quarterback and appears in two games.
Second Stint with Houston Texans
Keenum returns to the Houston Texans, starting two games and completing 64.2% of his passes for 291 yards and one touchdown.
Inducted into University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor
Keenum is officially inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor for his outstanding collegiate career.
Misses Season Due to Injury
Keenum spends the entire 2024 NFL season on the reserved/injured list with the Houston Texans due to a foot injury.
Signs with Chicago Bears
Keenum signs a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, serving primarily as the emergency third-string quarterback for the season.
Re-signs with Chicago Bears
Keenum re-signs with the Chicago Bears on a two-year, $5.5 million contract, with a maximum value of $8 million, continuing his role as a veteran backup.
Expected to Start Week 3 for Bears
Due to injuries to Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion protocol), Case Keenum is expected to start for the Chicago Bears in their Week 3 Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Case Keenum's journey in the National Football League has been characterized by resilience and a 'journeyman' reputation, spanning over a decade and nine different teams. His professional career began in 2012 when he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, following an illustrious college career at the University of Houston where he set NCAA records for career passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. He was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 2023 for his collegiate achievements.
Keenum's NFL career saw him move between the Texans, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and a second stint with the Texans before joining the Chicago Bears. A significant turning point in his career came in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings. After stepping in for an injured Sam Bradford, Keenum led the Vikings to a 13-3 regular-season record and an NFC North title. His tenure with the Vikings culminated in the memorable 'Minneapolis Miracle,' a last-second game-winning touchdown pass in the Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints, propelling the team to the NFC Championship Game. This breakout season earned him a two-year, $36 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2018, though that stint did not replicate his Vikings success.
In recent years, Keenum has primarily served in backup and mentorship roles. He appeared in two games for the Houston Texans in 2023, his last regular-season action before 2026, and spent the 2024 season on the reserved/injured list due to a foot injury. In April 2025, he signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, serving as the emergency third quarterback for most of the season. His commitment to the Bears continued in March 2026, when he re-signed for a two-year, $5.5 million deal, with a maximum value of $8 million, solidifying his role as a veteran presence in a young quarterback room.
CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-09-28: As of late September 2026, Case Keenum, at 38 years old, is poised to make a surprise start for the Chicago Bears in Week 3 of the NFL season. This opportunity arises due to injuries to the Bears' starting quarterback, Caleb Williams (hamstring strain), and backup Tyson Bagent, who, despite clearing concussion protocol, missed significant practice time. Keenum's experience and leadership are being relied upon as he steps into the starting role for the Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Case Keenum made different choices?