Jason Bean never heard his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. Will the quarterback out of Kansas make the 53-man roster? It’s not going to be easy. But it’s possible if he shines throughout training camp and the preseason.
In NFL history, there have been a few undrafted quarterbacks who went on to have great careers. Kurt Warner and Warren Moon are the two biggest names on the list. While Bean probably won’t become a Hall of Famer like Warner or Moon, he could turn out to be a solid pro down the road.
Jason Bean Could Make the Indianapolis Colts’ 53-Man Roster
Jason Bean’s Collegiate Career
Jason Bean began his college career at the University of North Texas. During his three seasons with the Mean Green, he threw for a total of 1,307 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Bean transferred to Kansas in 2021. He threw for 1,252 yards and six touchdowns during his first year with the Jayhawks. He also rushed for 400 yards and two scores. In 2022, he recorded 1,280 passing yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 222 rushing yards and 14 TDs on the ground.
Last season, Bean passed for 2,130 yards with 18 touchdowns while adding 280 rushing yards and three scores. The Texas native produced 410 passing yards and five touchdowns against Oklahoma State. He was spectacular versus UNLV during the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. In that game, he threw for 449 yards and six touchdowns, leading Kansas to a 49-36 win. It was Kansas’ first bowl victory in more than a decade.
Will He Make the Team?
Anthony Richardson is undoubtedly the Colts’ starting quarterback. The fourth overall pick in 2023 appeared in only four games as a rookie last season. Yet, he’s healthy now and will hopefully stay that way for the entire 2024 campaign.
When Richardson got hurt, Gardner Minshew took over for the rest of the season. He’s now with the Las Vegas Raiders and was replaced by Joe Flacco.
Richardson and Flacco are guaranteed to make the Colts’ roster this year. But who will be the No. 3 quarterback? Sam Ehlinger served that role in 2023. Jason Bean will compete with Kedon Slovis and Ehlinger for the spot during training camp and the preseason.
Bean has a shot to win the job. Like Richardson, he’s a dual-threat quarterback who’s extremely athletic. Colts head coach Shane Steichen, an offensive mastermind, could help develop him into a respectable backup for Richardson. The team wouldn’t have to change the playbook much if they ever had to switch from Richardson to Bean.
However, Bean likely won’t beat out Ehlinger. Ehlinger has been with the Colts since he was drafted by the team in 2021. He has NFL experience, starting three games during the 2022 season. The Colts trust him. That’s why he’s been on the roster now for three years.
Bean and fellow UDFA QB Slovis just might impress during training camp. But look for Ehlinger to keep his job as Indy’s No. 3 signal-caller behind starter Anthony Richardson and primary backup Joe Flacco.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
