Tyson Bagent, Bears
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Quarterback Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears can’t hold onto two good quarterbacks forever, but they can for at least another season, and the team is in no rush to part with Tyson Bagent unless a suitor for the desired back up comes with a strong offer.
Jordan Schutlz reported on Thursday, February 25 that rival teams have expressed significant interest in Bagent at this week’s NFL combine. But Tony Pauline reported that Chicago has dug in with regards to what it will entertain as a viable offer for the young signal-caller, who will play next season at 26 years old.
“I’m told the only way the team moves him is if they’re offered a significant package of picks and/or players,” Pauline wrote Thursday. “During the early part of the 2025 season, when Caleb Williams was struggling, I previously reported on the affection head coach Ben Johnson has for Bagent. I’m told that the Bears really like their quarterback room the way it presently stands.”
Bears Need Strong QB2 Behind Caleb Williams Due to Style of Play
Bears QB Caleb Williams
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams has yet to miss a start across two years in the league, but he has a propensity to take a lot of hits.
He led the league in sacks taken during his rookie campaign in 2024 with a staggering total of 68, and opposing defenders knocked him down far more frequently than that. Williams got that part of his game under much better control last season, aided by a significantly improved offensive line, and only took 24 sacks.
However, the dual-threat quarterback is speedy and can/likes to make plays with his legs, either passing on the run outside of the pocket or rushing for significant yardage and first downs.
Williams is tough as nails, but his risk of injury is higher than more stationary quarterbacks who do most of their moving up into the pocket and worry about a quick release more than about making a hero play.
All of that translates into a good insurance policy in the QB2 spot being a paramount part of Chicago’s offensive strategy behind its franchise player moving forward. Bagent is currently on a two-year deal worth $10 million, which is on the higher end of backup QB salaries but also a bargain for a player both liked and respected by the coaching staff, locker room and front office.
Falcons, Cardinals Among Teams Interest in Bears QB Tyson Bagent
Ben Johnson Tyson Bagent Comments
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent.
Speaking of Chicago’s front office, general manager Ryan Poles spoke to trade rumors involving Bagent when meeting with reporters at the combine earlier this week.
“Obviously, the tough thing is, what Ben thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson,” Poles said. “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.”
The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly inquired about a trade for Bagent, while the Atlanta Falcons are also among the interested parties at the combine, per Evan Sidery.