Bean to UFL creates countless opportunities for former KU quarterback

Jason Bean was discussed as a draft candidate in the NFL in April last year, following his strong performance during the 2023 American football season, in which he showed his qualities as a quarterback, his gamer mentality and his speed, which is almost unmatched.

But the former KU quarterback’s path to the NFL came via an undrafted free agent position, where he was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts, who are at least willing to give him a chance.

Bean will undoubtedly put all his cards on the table for victory and put all his energy into earning a spot on the Colts’ 53-man roster, or at the very least someone’s practice squad.

But if that doesn’t work, it must be nice for him to know that there is someone who wants him. Really, really wants him.

On Wednesday, the Memphis Showboats of the newly formed UFL selected Bean with the first pick in the league’s college draft.

The UFL, which currently consists of eight franchises, was formed and played its inaugural season last spring after the USFL and XFL merged. The 2024 draft pool consisted only of undrafted players from the 2024 NFL draft.

Under league rules, UFL teams own the rights to players selected in Wednesday’s draft until they report to the team or the team formally relinquishes the player’s rights. Additionally, all players who sign a UFL contract are granted an NFL Out Clause during the NFL season — the UFL’s second season is next spring, after the 2024 NFL season concludes — allowing them to move up a division if one of the NFL’s 32 franchises expresses interest.

That could come in handy for Bean, who has reportedly intrigued the Colts as a bit of a wild-card player at the position. Bean is officially listed as a WR/QB with the Colts, and his ability to run (fast) and throw (accurately and across the field) while possessing a solid grasp of the running offense gives him the potential to be a multi-dimensional weapon, even if he’s rarely used.

Bean, however, still has a long way to go to NFL relevance. Neither the depth chart on Colts.com nor ESPN.com lists him as a wide receiver or quarterback.

He’ll have to play well in camp and during the preseason to make that list, but the one thing he does have is familiarity with the Colts’ front office.

Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard is the father of current Kansas quarterback Cole Ballard, who replaced Bean last season after Jalon Daniels got injured. So, you know the elder Ballard at least got a glimpse of what Bean can do. That got him the chance. Now he has to earn more from his play.

The good news for Bean, though, is that even if he doesn’t end up with the Colts or another NFL team, Memphis’ UFL team has given him a place to continue playing football.

I’ve been around Bean the last few years and I can tell you without a doubt that’s all he wants to do. He loves the game. He loves the competition. He loves the team dynamic. And he really wants to play football. Quarterback would obviously be his favorite position, but if he can stay in the NFL and play somewhere else, it’s hard to imagine him thinking twice about it.

The UFL is an interesting second option and, based on where he was drafted, it’s clear Memphis wants to give him the opportunity to play his preferred position full-time.

Of all the fledgling, secondary football leagues that have vied for a place in the professional sports world over the past few decades, the UFL appears to have the best chance of success.

It is well run, organized and built on some pretty good players from the college ranks, many of whom come from top programs.

While it doesn’t have the chance to elevate the NFL to king of the league, it could carve out a nice niche as a sort of minor league, similar to the way the G League has done for the NBA.

Guys aren’t getting rich in the UFL, but they are making a living. According to a recent ESPN.com story, UFL players earn a salary of $50,000, plus $400 a week for housing. That’s a hefty salary for an athlete fresh out of college, and it should give Bean a good foundation: make $50,000 and build your brand through the UFL playing the game you love, or make it big and live your dream of playing in the NFL.

Both paths are great for a guy who absolutely deserves to have good things come his way. And adding the title of No. 1 draft pick to the mix is ​​just icing on the cake.

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