Former FBS passing yard leader could become the Chicago Bears next Cinderella story during rookie minicamp

It's set to be a strong battle for the backup quarterback position and a good showing this weekend could be the perfect start for Reed to make his case for the role.

While at Western Kentucky, Reed excelled in the program's air raid offense playing the majority of his snaps in the shotgun. However, during his Pro Day, Reed proved he can play in any alignment, which will be something to focus on again this weekend.

“You just have to know your reads,” Reed said at the NFL Combine. “You have to know the offense. You have to know your job and that system, play within the system, do what the coaches are asking you to do in terms of reads and your responsibility.”

After leading the FBS with 4,744 yards in 2022, Reed regressed in 2023 but still finished his season leading the conference with 3,338 yards. His competitiveness and work ethic are sure to shine in front of the Bears' coaching staff to further build his case.

Reed will have some tough competition to compete with to land a spot on the roster after the Bears went out and signed Rypien in free agency while still having Bagent on the roster, who went 2-2 as a starter for the Bears in 2023.

As a former Division II quarterback who then transferred to Western Kentucky, Reed has already overcome some major challenges in terms of continuing his career at the next level, which is similar to what Bagent had to overcome last year in route to eventually becoming the team's backup quarterback.

“I think you just have to have mental fortitude," Reed explained. "I know a lot of guys that have had the journey I’ve had would have gave up a long time ago and wouldn’t be right here. So, I feel like the guys who make it are the guys who are adaptable and have that mental fortitude to make it through the tough stuff, and that’s something I feel like I’ve done in my career.”

That's exactly what Bagent went through last year to beat the odds after coming out of a Division III program at Shepherd University and joining the team as an undrafted free agent as well. Bagent's experience, however, goes a long way and should make him the favorite to retain his position on the depth chart.

“I feel like I can offer a good look for the defense on the scout team, Bagent said on ‘Football Night in Chicago’ with David Haugh. “I think I can offer a good set of eyes [as] somebody that at least has some experience for Caleb when he takes the field, being able to offer him any insight that I have [and] knowledge that I took in from last year."

Either way, both players have tremendous upside and experience in their own way that will make for an exciting offseason battle at the position. May the best man win as the two look to continue beating the odds at the professional level. And who knows, maybe Reed can write a Cinderella story of his own in 2024.