Bears Re-Sign Quarterback Connor Shaw

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) The Bears have a belief in quarterback Connor Shaw's potential, and they stood by it Saturday by re-signing him.

A restricted free agent, the 25-year-old Shaw is now coming back for a second season with the Bears after signing his one-year tender. The team also retained long snapper Patrick Scales on one-year tender.

Shaw is expected to get an opportunity to compete in an open quarterback mix, one that currently includes just Jay Cutler. The Bears are expected to soon part ways with Cutler and re-evaluate the position, starting in free agency.

Chicago signed Shaw on July 1 by way of waivers after he was released by Cleveland. He had impressed during the preseason but saw his season end with a gruesome broken leg in the Bears' third preseason game.

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has said that Shaw stood a chance to be part of the team's equation at quarterback. When the Bears move on from Cutler, free agency and the draft offer opportunities to add quarterbacks to the fold.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.