The most accomplished quarterback in the history of Rutgers football signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears earlier this week. The 2009 sixth round pick of the Seattle Seahawks was released by the team in May after suiting up last season at their third string quarterback. Teel joined the New England Patriots briefly this offseason before being released after minicamp. Teel will compete for the backup position in Chicago behind Jay Cutler in the heavy passing offense designed by offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Teel, a former Big East Player of the Year, was a star in Piscataway during his Junior and Senior seasons. He threw for 45 touchdowns and over 6,000 yards while leading Rutgers to their first back to back bowl appearances in the Greg Schiano era. His production on the field not only helped Rutgers become a legitimate destination for high school quarterbacks looking to become professionals, but also enhanced the profiles of teammates Ray Rice and Kenny Britt- both of who were drafted highly into the NFL.

His strong arm and ability to read defenses will be utilized in Chicago’s offense this season. The scheme he will be learning under Mike Martz produced 4,000 yard seasons out of Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger, and Jon Kitna. The system requires the quarterback to throw to a specific spot before the receiver arrives there, making trust between quarterback and receiver a key to success. Training camp repetitions will be key in Teel’s development.

Bears training camp will begin on Friday July 30th and last through Thursday August 19th. All practices will take place Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.