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Jimmy Clausen, Bears Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Published by Tim Daniels on March 6, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have reached an agreement to re-sign quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Financial terms of the one-year contract were not immediately released.

Chicago passed along word of the deal on social media:

Veteran NFL columnist Dan Pompei notes new Bears head coach John Fox, who previously crossed paths with the quarterback during his time with the Carolina Panthers, is a Clausen fan:

Larry Mayer of the team’s official site passed along comments from Clausen about the decision to return.

“I’m excited to link back up with coach Fox,” he said. “He’s very passionate. He loves the game of football and he’s a real fiery coach. Like I said, there’s a lot of energy here now. I’ve talked to a couple of [teammates] and everybody’s fired up to get back in the building in a month and get going.”

Clausen has played just 17 games since being drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 2010 draft. The first 13 came during his rookie season. He then found himself behind Cam Newton on the depth chart over his last three years in Carolina.

He finally got another chance to play with the Bears last season. He hardly impressed, posting a 71.8 passer rating with two touchdowns and one interception over four games (one start). The lack of available quarterback depth played in his favor, though.

Where he’ll land on the depth chart is uncertain. Starter Jay Cutler has been surrounded by trade rumors as of late and David Fales, the team’s sixth-round pick last year, is waiting for his chance.

Things should become more clear for Clausen once the offseason dust settles. The most likely scenario sees the Bears keep Cutler or bring in another starter with the Notre Dame product and Fales battling in training camp for the main backup role.