LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- As a rookie with the Broncos in 2015, Trevor Siemian arrived in a quarterbacks room led by Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. He earned a Super Bowl ring that season.
Siemian has since signed with five teams, earned starting jobs, accepted backup roles, worked alongside superstar Drew Brees, learned under coach Sean Payton and enhanced his foundation in football.
Teams have coveted the 30-year-old Siemian's presence throughout his seven-year NFL career because he has always had plenty to offer. It’s why the Bears signed him on a two-year deal this offseason to make him their backup quarterback.
For Siemian, the backup quarterback role is multi-dimensional.
“I can get the ball out of my hand quickly, get everybody lined up and on the same page in a timely fashion,” Siemian said. “The other part of being a backup is being there for the guy that is playing and being his guy and not giving him too much but exactly what he needs.”
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Siemian has played in 33 career games and started 29, completing 58.9% of his passes for 6,843 yards, 41 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He had options in free agency this past March – including a visit with the Raiders – before choosing to sign with the Bears. He attended college at Northwestern, has a home in Chicago and certainly gained comfort with a two-year contract.
But Siemian was also drawn to the Bears’ developing scheme under the watch of new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Chicago is building a playbook that features a zone running game and wants to create opportunities downfield in the passing game.
While the Bears' hope is second-year quarterback Justin Fields will start all 17 games this season and Siemian stays put as the backup, the team is confident in Siemian's fit in the offense and also how he can help foster Fields’ growth.
“Support in all ways,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “Mental support, being there for him, helping him through the process of learning. Those are what those veteran quarterbacks are doing. They’re doing a great job to help learn. If there’s any questions that he might have on the side, that’s what they’re there for. They’re there for encouragement.”
The Bears' quarterback room has more clarity in its structure in 2022 after the team put Fields in an awkward situation as a rookie. Veteran Andy Dalton was Chicago’s starter to open the 2021 season but then fell to No. 2 on the depth chart after suffering a knee injury in the second game of the regular season. While the 11-year veteran Dalton pledged support for Fields, the quarterback dynamic was muddled all season.
Siemian has the experience and demeanor that the Bears coveted in a backup quarterback. If his number is called, he'll be ready to step in. But for now, they hope Siemian can help Fields become their franchise quarterback.
“There’s just certain traits – intelligence, being accurate with the ball — there’s certain prerequisites you have to have to play at a high level, and Justin’s got it,” Siemian said. “He’s got all the tools. Just around him, we’ve got to play well around him and give him a chance. But yeah, he’s got everything.
“You're just figuring out your teammates and how can you contribute to make the Bears the best team they can be."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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