Some Indianapolis Colts fans were disappointed when Jason Bean was waived. However, after he was unclaimed off waivers, the team signed him to their practice squad.
Bean, a quarterback out of Kansas, battled Sam Ehlinger and fellow undrafted free agent Kedon Slovis for the Colts’ No. 3 QB spot. Ehlinger wound up winning the job. Meanwhile, Slovis was waived and ultimately signed to the Houston Texans’ practice squad.
Indianapolis was wise by holding onto Bean. Although he’s not on the 53-man roster, you never know if the team will need him down the road.
Keeping This Rookie Was a Smart Move by the Indianapolis Colts
Jason Bean’s Career to Date
Jason Bean played six seasons of college football. He began his career in North Texas. During the 2020 campaign, he produced 19 touchdowns (14 passing and five rushing). He also threw for 1,131 yards over eight games.
Bean later transferred to Kansas, where he spent his final three seasons. During his last year with the Jayhawks, he powered the school to a 9-4 record and their first bowl win in 15 years. In that bowl game, he threw for 449 yards and six touchdowns as Kansas beat UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. He passed for 2,130 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 280 yards and three TDs during the 2023 season.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jason Bean was signed by the Colts as a free agent. The Texas native was impressive during this year’s preseason. He completed 15 of his 19 pass attempts (78.9 percent) for 197 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 53 yards (4.81 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. But despite a strong preseason, Bean failed to beat out Ehlinger for the third quarterback spot.
Why the Colts Should’ve Kept Him
Anthony Richardson is the Colts’ starting quarterback. There are no debates about that. Injuries limited him to just four games as a rookie last year. Fortunately for Indy, he’s healthy and ready to go. Veteran Joe Flacco, entering his first season with the Colts, will serve as Richardson’s primary backup.
Going with Sam Ehlinger as the third quarterback makes sense. He has started several regular-season games and is familiar with coach Shane Steichen’s offense.
However, keeping Jason Bean makes a lot of sense as well. He could become an impact player for the Colts in the future. One day, he might emerge as Richardson’s main backup or even become the starting QB.
Yes, saying Bean is Indy’s future starter sounds ridiculous. But there are a lot of crazy things that happen in sports. Due to injury and poor performance, quarterbacks often get opportunities to start.
Just look at Brock Purdy for example. Who would’ve thought the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft would quickly become a starter and help a team reach a Super Bowl during his second season?
Okay, Bean is probably not the next Brock Purdy. Honestly, he may never appear in a regular-season game. But he has the potential to be a good pro. He can make exciting plays with his arm as well as his legs. Plus, he could be something special working with Steichen, who’s known as an offensive guru.
We’ll see how things play out. As of right now, not letting go of Jason Bean is looking like a great decision.
