LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Tuesday signed free agent quarterback Brett Basanez to a two-year contract.

Brett Basanez

The Chicago native and former Northwestern star appeared in one regular-season game during three years with the Carolina Panthers, completing 6 of 11 passes for 56 yards with one interception in a 37-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 17, 2006.

“It’s been a blast being down in Carolina the past couple years,” Basanez said. “But being from Chicago, there’s really only one team, and to be able to be a part of the Bears organization is just awesome.”

Basanez originally signed with the Panthers in 2006 as an undrafted free agent. He spent the first 12 weeks of his rookie season on Carolina’s practice squad before being promoted to the active roster.

In 2007, the 6-2, 220-pounder was put on injured reserve after tearing a ligament in his right wrist in a preseason game against the New England Patriots. Basanez then spent the 2008 season on the Panthers’ practice squad.

The 2005 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at Northwestern, Basanez broke 32 school records including career passing yards, total offense, completions and passing touchdowns.

Basanez came up four rushing yards shy of becoming the first quarterback in NCAA Division I-A history to finish his career with 10,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards.

Basanez grew up in Arlington Heights and attended St. Viator High School, teaming for one season with Jarrett Payton, the son of legendary Bears Hall of Famer Walter Payton.

“Being in Chicago is phenomenal,” Basanez said. “My family’s here, and it’s a great opportunity. It’s a good system, and I really feel like this organization is giving me a shot to come in and fight for a [roster] spot, and that’s really all you can ask for is that opportunity.”

Patiently waiting for that opportunity is something that Basanez knew he would have to do when he failed to get selected in the 2006 NFL Draft.

“It really is about being patient,” he said. “You’ve got to look at someone like Tony Romo. No one hears about him for four years and then all of a sudden he blasts on the scene and now people argue that he’s one of the best in the league. It’s about the opportunity and really just a bit of luck trying to get that shot, and when you get that shot being ready to take advantage of it.”

Basanez isn’t sure whether he’ll be competing for the first, second or third spot on the depth chart.

“They really haven’t specified that, and to be honest, I don’t think that matters,” he said. 

“I think you need to come in trying to earn a spot. Everyone wants to play, so everyone wants to start. Regardless of if you win that spot, at least you’re pushing whoever the other player is to be better. So regardless of who the starter is, the team is better if there’s competition at a certain position.”