The Kansas football program continues to send more and more talent to the next level in recent years under the guidance of head coach Lance Leipold. Since he took over at the helm in 2021, 11 players have found themselves on practice squads or active NFL rosters at some point, and that number will surely rise given the copious senior class graduating this year.
One of those players is former KU quarterback Jason Bean, who shined in the 2024 preseason. While he never took the field for a regular season contest, he remained in the Indianapolis Colts' system throughout the campaign. According to Bean's agent, the dual-threat signal-caller will find himself in the Indy organization for at least one more year:
The Indianapolis Colts just signed my client Jason Bean (QB, Kansas) to a new contract for 2025. Was one of the top QBs in last year's preseason and with a year of development under his belt figures to play a much bigger role next season.
— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) January 6, 2025
Jason Bean signs new contract with Indianapolis Colts
Despite spending the 2024 season on Indy's practice squad or injury list (foot injury), Bean showed real promise in the preseason after signing as a UDFA. He was arguably the NFL's best quarterback during these three weeks, throwing for 198 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on a 78.9% completion percentage. The speedster added 53 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground.
Many fans believed he'd earn the third-string role over Sam Ehlinger, but he and the 39-year-old Joe Flacco have expiring contracts once the season concludes. It is possible the Colts opt to make an internal promotion rather than signing someone via free agency, opening up an opportunity for Bean to snatch the backup role. Indianapolis even listed him as a wide receiver in training camp, meaning they view him as a versatile offensive option.
Across three seasons at Kansas, Bean established himself as one of the best quarterbacks to don the crimson and blue in recent history. He totaled 4,662 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, most notably filling in for the injured Jalon Daniels in 2023 and leading the Jayhawks to a 9-4 bowl-winning season.
With Anthony Richardson viewed as the Colts' quarterback of the future, Bean could have trouble finding the field over the next couple of years. However, he has a strong chance to find himself on the 53-man roster come next September if he repeats his performance this preseason.