Chicago Bears Roster Review: Jimmy Clausen

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (8) walks to the huddle during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears offseason is in full swing as we head toward the start of the new league year and Free Agency. As a part of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we’re leading off by looking at Bears Free Agents. New GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have some tough decisions to make as they reshape the Bears roster in hopes of a bounceback 2015 season.

Jimmy Clausen, QB, 27

2014 Review

Jimmy Clausen spent the 2014 season as Jay Cutler’s backup and was called upon very sparingly.  Despite starting only one game for the Bears, he played some of the best football of his career wearing the orange and navy, going 23 of 39 (59%) for 181 yards with 2 TD’s and 1 INT.  While his 77 QB rating may not seem earth-shattering, Clausen did well during the game and nearly led the Bears to an upset over the playoff bound Detroit Lions.  His completion percentage would have been helped if the wide receivers hadn’t dropped several key passes, and let’s not forget that Detroit played some pretty good defense last season.  Jimmy Clausen only appeared in 3 other games last season, throwing a combined 9 passes.  Jay Cutler was actually benched in favor of Jimmy Clausen late in the season, but a concussion suffered in the Lions game robbed us of seeing what the former 2nd round pick of the Carolina Panthers could do.

2015 Outlook

I don’t see any reason why the Bears shouldn’t give Jimmy Clausen a chance to make the roster in 2015, and his history in Carolina with new head coach John Fox makes it seem likely.  His improved play last season could easily have been a product of Marc Trestman’s expert tutelage, but we won’t know until we see it for ourselves.  The added fact that his limited playing time last season should keep his price tag low is just the icing on the cake.  If the Bears can bring Jimmy Clausen back for training camp without any real commitment needed, why wouldn’t they?

What do you guys think? Is there any reason for Jimmy Clausen to not be given another shot to make the Bears roster next season?