Austin

Reed

Freeman had only joined the Bears last week — the veteran will probably find a practice squad by the time the week is over. The Bears also waived DB Millard Bradford, DL Xavier Carlton, DB Alex Cook, LB Power Echols, DB Kaleb Hayes, QB Austin Reed, RB Ian Wheeler, and TE Joel Wilson. Additionally they released DB Tre Flowers and OL Joshua Miles, and placed DB Zah Frazier on the NFI list.

Reed battled for the backup quarterback job despite being an UDFA out of Western Kentucky, and while he lost that competition to Tyson Bagent, he’ll stay in the organization.

Reed signed with the Bears as a UDFA out of Western Kentucky but lost the QB2 battle to incumbent Tyson Bagent. Reed completed 75 percent of his passes in the preseason while throwing for 122 yards and a touchdown. It’s possible he returns as a member of the practice squad, but he won’t be threatening for a job any time soon.

Reed (6'1"/220 pounds) threw for a whopping 71 touchdowns and ran for a dozen more in the same Western Kentucky offense that produced Patriots QB Bailey Zappe. Reed racked up nearly 16,000 passing yards over 51 collegiate games in the pass-first Hilltoppers offense. He’ll compete this summer to make the Bears roster and possibly serve as Caleb Williams’ backup.

Reed (6'2/220) and the Hilltoppers will look to recreate the magic ushered in by Bailey Zappe last season after he shattered FBS passing records in his lone year at Western Kentucky last season. Tyson Helton’s air raid offense finished second in the nation in points per game last season (44.2) and amassed over 6,000 yards through the air in just 14 games. Reed beat out West Virginia transfer Jarret Doege for the starting role in camp, as he now sets his sights on an August 27th home matchup against Austin Peay.