Tyson Bagent signed
Getty
Tyson Bagent went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Division II Shepherd University before signing with the Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears have had a veryproactive offseason so far. Across the first three weeks of the NFL Free Agency period, the Bears have signed13 new contracts. Among the 13 contracts signed, nine were for new additions, and four wereextensions to retain Bears from last season. Among the players Chicago decided toretain was quarterback Case Keenum.
The Bears’ extension of Keenum led tospeculation that fellow backup signal-caller Tyson Bagent could be on the move. Bears general manager Ryan Poles fueled trade speculation after revealing that they had received interest from other teams inquiring about Bagent’s availability.
Tyson Bagent Stats
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent has thrown for 917 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 109 yards and two scores on the ground across his first three years in the regular season.
“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,”Poles said in February. “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.”
While the buzz has quieted since February, there is still no guarantee the Bagent will be on the roster come August. The New England Patriots‘ recent quarterback move may once again boost Bagent trade rumors.
Chicago Bears May Choose to Replace Tyson Bagent with Joshua Dobbs
NFL Network InsiderIan Rapoport announced on March 23 that the New England Patriots are planning to release backup quarterback Josh Dobbs. Colby Colwell of*Da Windy City,*a Chicago-based sports outlet, posited that Dobbs could interest the Bears as a potential replacement for Bagent.
“Obviously, the Bears seem to have Keenum locked up in light of the recent extension, but that does not mean Bagent is safe with the news that Dobbs will be available,” Colwell stated. “After all, the veteran Dobbs has proved to be a reliable backup QB in the league and someone who has some experience filling in as the starter.”
Josh Dobbs Teams
GettyQuarterback Joshua Dobbs has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots across his six-year career.
Of Dobbs 15 starts, he has only won three games. But across his career, he has also passed for3,346 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 515 yards and eight scores on the ground. He is a capable backup, and Colwell argues that his addition would offer the Bears a solid foundation behind Caleb Williams.
“Keenum has transitioned to more of a mentor role in recent seasons and has thrown four TD passes and four interceptions over the last four seasons he has played, so it would be understandable if Chicago wants to bring Dobbs in and add another veteran to its roster.”
While there are no guarantees about Bagent’s future, Chicago having a backup plan for the backup is smart.
The Bears Could Potentially Draft Another QB Option
The Chicago Bears have also been doing their homework on QB prospects set to become available during or after the 2026 NFL draft. Jacob Infante of theWindy City Gridiron reported that the Bears “will host Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis as one of their local prospect visits, per source.”
Athan Kaliakmanis Stats
GettyRutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025.
North Dakota QB Cole Payton alsotold reporters that he met with Chicago at the scouting combine. With the Bears reviewing other potential options, don’t be surprised if Bagent’s market continues to heat up as we get closer to April.