Austin Reed is making waves as a quarterback for the Chicago Bears, turning heads with his underdog journey from undrafted rookie to the NFL spotlight.
In this article, you’ll learn about Reed’s net worth, career earnings, contract details, early career path, professional milestones, and personal life. We’ll break down his salary, endorsements, and stats while answering your top questions about this rising player.
Austin Reed’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Austin Reed |
| Date of Birth | February 22, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years |
| Education | St. Augustine High School (FL); Southern Illinois, West Florida, Western Kentucky |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Undrafted) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–$1.5 million |
| Career Earnings | $1,070,000 |
| Relationship | N/A |
| Social Media | N/A |
Early Career
Austin Reed’s football journey began at St. Augustine High School in Florida, where he honed his skills as a quarterback. His college career took an unconventional path: he started at Southern Illinois University in 2018 but saw limited action.
Seeking more playing time, he transferred to the University of West Florida (UWF), a Division II program. At UWF (2019–2021), Reed flourished, leading the Argonauts to a Division II national championship in 2019 with 4,089 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. His standout performance earned him Division II All-American honors.
Driven by ambitions for higher competition, Reed transferred to Western Kentucky University (WKU) in 2022. There, he immediately made an impact in the FBS, throwing for a nation-leading 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns in his first season.
He repeated as Conference USA’s second-team quarterback in 2023, amassing 3,340 yards and 31 touchdowns. This multi-school journey—spanning FCS, Division II, and FBS—showcased Reed’s adaptability and arm talent, setting the stage for his NFL pursuit despite going undrafted.
Professional Career
Austin Reed entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, signing with the Chicago Bears after going unselected in the draft. He impressed during the preseason, completing 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, but was waived in August 2024.
The Bears quickly re-signed him to their practice squad, where he spent the entire 2024 season developing his skills. In January 2025, Reed secured a reserve/future contract, earning a spot on the active roster for 2025.
Now entering his second season, he serves as the third-string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent, competing for a long-term role with a one-year, $840,000 contract. His journey from undrafted uncertainty to an NFL roster spot underscores his resilience and adaptability.
Austin Reed’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Austin Reed’s net worth is estimated at $1–$1.5 million.
Contract
Austin Reed signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears for the 2025 season, worth $840,000. This deal carries a $840,000 salary cap hit and includes no signing bonus or guaranteed money.
As an exclusive-rights free agent after this season, Reed’s future with the team will depend on his performance and Chicago’s roster decisions. The contract reflects his current role as a developmental third-string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent.
Salary
Austin Reed earns a base salary of $840,000 for the 2025 NFL season with the Chicago Bears. This compensation reflects his role as a third-string quarterback and carries no additional bonuses or incentives.
His salary marks a substantial increase from his 2024 earnings ($230,000), driven by his promotion from the practice squad to the active roster. Reed’s total NFL career earnings now stand at $1,070,000, entirely derived from his Bears contracts.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Chicago Bears | $230,000 | Undrafted free agent deal |
| 2025 | Chicago Bears | $840,000 | Active roster contract |
| Total | $1,070,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | League | GP | Cmp/Att | Pct | Pass Yds | Pass TD | INT | Passer Rating | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Avg | Rush TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Southern Illinois | FCS | 0 | 0/0 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2019 | West Florida | D-II | – | 279/491 | 56.8% | 4,089 | 40 | 11 | 149.2 | 72 | 149 | 2.07 | 6 |
| 2021 | West Florida | D-II | – | 205/378 | 54.2% | 3,375 | 38 | 9 | 157.6 | 28 | 172 | 6.14 | 3 |
| 2022 | Western Kentucky | FBS | 14 | 389/602 | 64.6% | 4,744 | 40 | 11 | 149.1 | 91 | 224 | 2.46 | 8 |
| 2023 | Western Kentucky | FBS | 12 | 289/470 | 61.5% | 3,340 | 31 | 11 | 138.3 | 42 | 100 | 2.38 | 4 |
| 2024 | Chicago Bears | NFL | 0 | 0/0 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What is Austin Reed’s salary with the Chicago Bears?
Austin Reed earns $840,000 under a one-year contract. He is the Bears’ third-string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent.
2. Where did Austin Reed play college football?
Reed played at three colleges: Southern Illinois (2018), West Florida (2019–2021), and Western Kentucky (2022–2023). He won a D-II national title at West Florida.
3. Was Austin Reed drafted into the NFL?
Reed went undrafted. He signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent and earned a 2025 roster spot through preseason performance.
4. What are Austin Reed’s strengths as a quarterback?
Scouts praise Reed’s field vision, pocket awareness, and quick release. His experience in multiple systems makes him a adaptable backup with potential.
5. How much has Austin Reed earned in his NFL career?
Reed’s career earnings total $1,070,000: $230,000 in 2024 and $840,000. His income stems solely from NFL contracts.
