Marcus Mariota
Getty
Marcus Mariota is set to hit free agency.
Trade chatter around Tyson Bagent has picked up in recent weeks, with the Chicago Bears garnering some legit interest in their backup quarterback.
Bagent’s appeal is easy to understand: he’s young, he’s cheap relative to veteran QB2s and he’s already shown he can win in the league. If a team comes along and makes the Bears an offer they can’t refuse, they’ll need a solid backup to sit behind starter Caleb Williams.
One potentially intriguing option is a veteran signal-caller who can still contribute when needed. PFF’s Mason Cameron selected five pending free agents he thinks will be “under-the-radar” this offseason, and quarterback Marcus Mariota is one.
Here’s why he could make a solid replacement for Bagent if the young backup gets traded.
If Tyson Bagent Gets Traded, Chicago Bears Could Sign Marcus Mariota in Free Agency as Replacement
Marcus Mariota
GettyThe Chicago Bears could sign QB Marcus Mariota if they trade current backup Tyson Bagent.
Mariota, 32, the No. 2 overall pick for the Tennessee Titans in 2015, is now entering Year 12 in the NFL. Put simply, he’s seen it all: He’s been The Guy, he’s been benched, he’s been a bridge QB and in recent seasons, he’s settled into the role of sage vet behind Jayden Daniels in Washington.
“Having bounced around to five teams throughout his career, Mariota never lived up to his billing as the Titans’ No. 2 overall pick in 2015. However, his time with the Commanders has set the late stretch of his career on a new trajectory, proving the 32-year-old signal-caller should be viewed in the range of a high-tier backup to a low-end starter,” Cameron wrote on February 27, adding:
“As Jayden Daniels‘ backup in Washington over the past two seasons, Mariota displayed his ability as a dual-threat quarterback on a limited sample. What impressed most were his improvements as a passer. Across his 271 pass attempts with the Commanders, Mariota earned a positive grade on 30.9% of his throws, the highest mark by any qualifying quarterback over the past two seasons.”
Mariota played in 11 games with eight starts in 2025, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Mariota’s legs certainly aren’t what they were a decade ago, but he’s still mobile enough to keep a play alive and still experienced enough to run an offense efficiently.
How Much Money Will Mariota Likely Be Commanding in Free Agency?
Now entering free agency, Mariota just played on a one-year deal worth $8 million with the Commanders. Over The Cap’s valuation has pegged him in that general neighborhood, while Spotrac has his market value estimated a tad lower, at just under $5 million per year. Bagent’s current deal has a cap hit just under $5 million, so Mariota would likely be very comparable salary-wise.
Look, Mariota’s career record as a starter is 36-46. That’s not a necessarily a selling point, but it’s a good reminder that he’s started a lot of games, and he’s often led teams that didn’t always give him much help.
When looking at the backup landscape, Mariota is one of the better ones, and he’d be a solid mentor to Williams. If Case Keenum doesn’t return, Mariota could fill the veteran void, which would allow the Bears to add another younger, developmental QB.
“While his overall profile isn’t groundbreaking, his improvements as a passer should draw the attention of teams in need of a quality backup to mentor a young starter. And he brings the upside to steady the ship if called upon,” Cameron added, in reference to Mariota.
If Bagent stays, it’s a non-issue. But if he gets traded, Mariota could — and probably should — be at the top of Chicago’s wish list.