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)
A week ago, Arizona Cardinals insider John Gambadoro wrote that the team is “intrigued” by Chicago Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent.
“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.”
Bagent actually has two years left on his deal, but it looks like Gambadoro’s claim that the Cardinals have interest in Bagent is true, with Bears general manager Ryan Poles commenting on Bagent’s trade rumors during a press conference at the NFL Combine on Tuesday.
Ryan Poles Gives News Update on Tyson Bagent Trade Rumors
During the press conference, Poles confirmed the Bears have received a few calls on Bagent.
“We’ve gotten a few calls there. Obviously, the tough thing is, what Ben thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson. That’s a really tough decision for us but for Tyson as well, I think he would have the opportunity to go perform for a team and do some really good things but again you have to weigh the short term and long term.”
To make a claim that both the coaches and players love Bagent shouldn’t be a bold prediction, and having a good backup quarterback is an extremely valuable asset in today’s NFL.
Look at the Green Bay Packers. As a result of backup QB Malik Willis stepping in for Jordan Love and being a solid contributor, he’s expected to get a new deal worth around $20-30 million annually, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.
The good news for the Bears is Bagent isn’t breaking the bank with his two-year, $10 million contract. However, if Chicago is able to field some high draft capital in return for Bagent, they could send him off this offseason.
For reference, since 2000, five backup quarterbacks have been traded with the acquiring team intending to make them the starting QB. Four of the five involved at least a second-round pick in the deal.
Nicholas Moreano
Ryan Poles when asked if teams have called for Tyson Bagent.
“We have gotten a few calls there.”
Poles also said, “It’s a really tough decision for us.”
Poles does believe Bagent would do some good things for a new team but the team has to navigate the cost and return of a
Cardinals Could Be a Good Fit
It’s interesting to see what the Cardinals will ultimately do with their quarterback situation. According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the team plans to move on from former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, despite a new offensive coach.
“Teams around the league predict Arizona will have to eat a large portion of his contract to facilitate a trade,” Canfora wrote. “Murray’s potential and hefty contract make his future uncertain, but his departure seems inevitable.”
That said, Arizona could be a logistical destination for Bagent. With a new coach and playmakers on offense, the Cardinals could be a place where Bagent thrives.
Other teams that likely called to see his availability are the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.