Bears sign quarterback Jimmy Clausen to 1-year deal
The Chicago Bears added some depth at quarterback Thursday by bringing in a formerly highly-touted prospect.
LM: #Bears have signed QB Jimmy Clausen to 1-year deal & waived LB Lawrence Wilson.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 5, 2014
Clausen also announced the deal himself on Twitter.
Excited to start a new chapter with the @ChicagoBears ! Blessed to have this opportunity and looking forward to getting started!!
— Jimmy Clausen (@JimmyClausen) June 5, 2014
Clausen was viewed as a potential franchise quarterback after forgoing his senior season at Notre Dame. However, he fell to the second round (48th overall) before being selected by the Carolina Panthers.
He was thrown to the fire right away, appearing in 13 games with 10 starts as a rookie in 2010. Clausen struggled though, completing 52.5 percent of his passes for 1,558 yards with three touchdowns compared to nine interceptions.
The Panthers used the No. 1 overall pick the following season to select quarterback Cam Newton, and Clausen hasn't appeared in a game since. He missed all of last season with a torn labrum suffered in the preseason.
Clausen will likely battle Jordan Palmer and rookie David Fales to be Chicago's backup behind Jay Cutler next season.