Chicago Bears helmet (Photo by Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have signed nine undrafted free agents, including a former standout quarterback out of Western Kentucky.

On Thursday, the Chicago Bears announced that they have signed nine undrafted free agents, including former Hilltoppers quarterback Austin Reed. The 24-year-old previously played for Southern Florida and West Florida before transferring to Western Kentucky in 2022.

The other undrafted free agent signings are Kentucky tight end Brenden Bates, University of British Columbia offensive lineman Theo Benedet, UCLA linebacker Carl Jones Jr., James Madison defensive end Jamree Kromah, Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Peter LeBlanc, Illinois defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr., Toy defensive back Reddy Stewart and Howard running back Ian Wheeler.

Reed is currently slotted as the fourth quarterback on Chicago’s depth chart, behind 2024 first overall pick and starter Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and veteran Brett Rypien.

In his final season at Western Kentucky, Reed completed 61.5 percent of pass attempts for 3,340 yards, 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to go along with 100 rushing yards and four rushing scores.

Chicago Bears Are A Sleeper Team Entering 2024

The Chicago Bears have been mired in mediocrity since their loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 41 back in 2006. They’ve only made the postseason three times since (2010, 2018 and 2020), with only one playoff victory in that span.

But the Bears are finally back on the up. Williams has all the tools to be a superstar quarterback in this league, and he has a potent supporting cast led by Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert and Cole Kmet.

Chicago managed to win seven games in 2023, and that was before all of these splashy offseason additions. Throw in the fact that Chicago will have star pass-rusher Montez Sweat (acquired in a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders), for a full year, and the Bears certainly look like a team that can push for a playoff spot in 2024.