Tyson Bagent
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Tyson Bagent #17 of the Chicago Bears runs out of the tunnel before the game against the New York Giants at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have a lot of tough decisions heading into the offseason, especially as the team has to navigate through negative $5.3 million in cap space, according to OvertheCap.com.
“I can tell you right now, we’re all excited for that challenge in terms of building this team back up, making tweaks, tightening screws on the process, and the people that we need to continue to elevate for us to get back to where we were and exceed that, and win championships around here,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said.
However, things may get interesting with Arizona talk show host John Gambadoro’s latest comments on Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent.
Cardinals Reportedly Interested in Tyson Bagent
Tyson Bagent
GettyTyson Bagent #17 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
According to Gambadoro, the Arizona Cardinals are “intrigued” by Bagent as they figure out what to do with Kyler Murray and their QB situation for next season.
“Have heard the Cardinals are intrigued by Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. He has one-year left on his deal so would have to trade for him. Grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia and went to Shepherd University. Was an undrafted free-agent who beat out PJ Walker for the backup job with Chicago and was so good the Bears signed him to a 2-year $10 million extension.”
To clarify, Bagent has two years left on his deal, not one. However, Gambadoro is correct that the Cardinals would have to trade for Bagent if they want him.
Bagent, who has filled in and done a good job for Justin Fields during the 2023 season, is evidently going to garner some interest from teams across the league. While he undoubtedly deserves a chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, having a good backup QB is an extremely important aspect of a team, even if the Bears have a starting QB who has never missed a game in his NFL career.
John Gambadoro
Have heard the Cardinals are intrigued by Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. He has one-year left on his deal so would have to trade for him. Grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia and went to Shepherd University. Was an undrafted free-agent who beat out PJ Walker for the backup job
A Projected Trade Comp for Bagent
There’s going to be a ton of intriguing quarterback options for the Cardinals. That said, the Bears won’t let go of Bagent with anything less than a third-round pick.
In fact, the Bears love Bagent so much that the Cardinals might have to trade a second-round pick and more for him.
“I mean, I’ve really been blown away by his approach from the spring to start of camp to where we are now,” head coach Ben Johnson said regarding Bagent. “He does a tremendous job knowing what to do, how to do it and getting it done. So I don’t think you can have enough talent in that room.”
If Poles and co. believe they can find another solid backup QB, either through free agency or in this year’s NFL Draft, then there could be a reality where Bagent is shipped off to Arizona.
However, the Cardinals will likely have to pay a steep price for Bagent’s services.