Desperate Ravens To Pay A Steep Price For New Quarterback
Desperate Ravens To Pay A Steep Price For New Quarterback
The Chicago Bears just made one of the biggest trades of the season by acquiring Jeffery Simmons. Now another team is reportedly calling about one of their own players, and general manager Ryan Poles could find himself holding all the leverage.
The Baltimore Ravens are interested in Tyson Bagent, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora. With Lamar Jackson injured and Baltimore scrambling to find a quarterback, Chicago has an opportunity to demand considerably more than Bagent might otherwise bring on the trade market.
But there’s one problem. The Bears might need him just as badly.
Ravens Reportedly Targeting Bears Quarterback Tyson Bagent
La Canfora reported Monday that Baltimore has contacted Chicago about Bagent, identifying him as the Ravens’ preferred quarterback target.
Jackson suffered a thumb injury against Buffalo and is headed to injured reserve. Backup Tyler Huntley also suffered a toe injury, leaving Baltimore with precious few options ahead of Thursday’s game against Jacksonville.
That’s a terrible negotiating position.
Baltimore isn’t shopping for a quarterback to develop behind Jackson. The Ravens need somebody who can potentially play immediately and keep their season from falling apart.
Bagent also has a connection to Baltimore offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who worked with him in Chicago last season.
That familiarity makes him an attractive target, but it shouldn’t make him any cheaper.
The Bears signed Bagent to a two-year, $10 million extension in 2025. They clearly believed he was worth keeping around, and nothing about Baltimore’s current situation should convince them to suddenly accept a bargain offer.
Desperate Ravens Could Pay a Steep Price for Tyson Bagent
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Ryan Poles Has a Difficult Decision Despite Obvious Trade Leverage
Chicago could certainly use additional draft capital.
The Simmons trade cost the Bears valuable selections, and recovering some of those assets would give Poles greater flexibility next offseason.
However, trading Bagent isn’t quite as simple as collecting another draft pick.
Caleb Williams already missed time this season with a hamstring injury. Bagent stepped into the starting lineup during that absence, giving Chicago someone familiar with Ben Johnson’s offense.
His performances weren’t flawless, particularly against Green Bay, but there’s value in having a backup who understands the system and has actual starting experience.
Case Keenum remains another option, although moving Bagent would leave Chicago with less depth behind Williams.
For a team coming off a convincing 34-17 victory over Seattle, that deserves serious consideration.
The Bears aren’t rebuilding anymore. They’re trying to win something significant this season. Trading away quarterback insurance for a modest return would be an unnecessary gamble.
The Last Word
The Bears have every reason to entertain calls about Bagent, but they have even more reason to be selective.
Baltimore’s quarterback situation creates an opportunity for Poles to recover valuable draft capital. That doesn’t mean Chicago should sacrifice its own insurance policy simply because another team is desperate.
Williams has already missed time this season, and the Bears are finally playing like a team capable of making a serious postseason run.
If the Ravens want Bagent badly enough, they can make an offer Chicago cannot refuse. Otherwise, Poles should thank them for calling and get back to preparing for Tampa Bay.
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