Chiefs news: Former Notre Dame quarterback signs futures deal

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially signed four players to their 2024 offseason roster despite being on the verge of starting their postseason run. Among the additions added via reserve/futures deals was a former Notre Dame quarterback hoping to take advantage of being around Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

Ian Book was a star quarterback for the Fighting Irish a few years ago and was drafted in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints back in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now he'll be fighting for a chance to be a backup quarterback or even scout team arm for the Chiefs after they turn the page on this season.

The Chiefs have added an extra quarterback for the coming offseason.

Book was one of four free agent players signed to a reserve/futures deal earlier this week by general manager Brett Veach as he begins to build out his 90-man offseason roster. Book was the biggest name of all as a former college football star with the others being running back Hassan Hall, wide receiver Jacob Copeland, and linebacker Jordan Smith.

Book spent the last several months available on the open market after being released by the New England Patriots in September. Book spent his first couple of years with the Saints and even ended up starting a game in his second season, but he was released in August 2022. From there, he spent the next year with the Philadelphia Eagles learning from Jalen Hurts before being released last preseason.

As for the other new arrivals, Hall is a former Georgia Tech running back who earned looks this year as an undrafted free agent with the Browns, Giants, and Cardinals. The Chiefs are his fourth team in less than a year.

Copeland comes out of Maryland as a wide receiver who went undrafted last spring after leading the Terps with 14.5 yards/reception. He earned opportunities from the Titans, Vikings, and Steelers before landing in K.C.

Smith is a former fourth-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft back when Joe Cullen was the team's defensive coordinator. A star at UAB, Smith had 27 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in his final two seasons as a lengthy defender. Unfortunately, a knee injury cost him his '22 season and he was released by Jacksonville last August.

For now, the Chiefs are focused on a repeat bid to defend their title run from a year ago. They host the visiting Miami Dolphins on Saturday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. C.T.