The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 season with Caleb Williams as the number one quarterback on the depth chart for head coach Ben Johnson. However, there are other interesting decisions that Johnson, the coaching staff, and general manager Ryan Poles will have to make about other quarterback positions on the roster.
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Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) chats with quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
For now, Tyson Bagent is the second quarterback on the roster and Case Keenum is listed as the third quarterback on the roster. Bagent and Keenum received a lot of reps during the 24-24 tie in the preseason game on Sunday game against the Miami Dolphins. A lot of people are talking about Bagent being the potential backup quarterback for Williams in 2025, but there is a chance to potentially pump the breaks on that one.
Fansided Writer Questions Whether or Not Chicago Bears Will Make Case Keenum the Backup Quarterback Instead
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Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
During Sunday’s preseason action, Bagent completed 13-of-19 passes in the game for 103 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He started the game for Chicago as Williams did not get any reps in this game as well. With that being said, Keenum saw action after Bagent was done for the day. Keenum completed 8-of-10 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
He has been around the NFL for many years and has started games in this league. Is there a chance that there is a backup quarterback controversy brewing for the Bears? Well, beargoogleson.com writer Anthony Miller thinks that there is a chance that Keenum could potentially win the job over Bagent. Miller said,
“Will Bagent hold on as the QB2 behind Caleb Williams?
Bagent had a mixed bag of a day in the game, as he threw a nice touchdown pass to Maurice Alexander despite pressure on his face on fourth and goal. He did have the interception that was deflected in tight coverage, which could be attributed to both Bagent’s decision and the receiver, Samori Toure, not doing enough to either catch it or knock it down.
Keenum arguably had the better day at quarterback, as both of his touchdowns were impressive. Interestingly enough, it was his mobility that caught a lot of attention, as he used his leg to secure the first touchdown catch and moved around well.
Going with the younger quarterback in Bagent would seem like the easy move to make, but Keenum made a convincing argument to be the backup. Keenum was more efficient, and the offense moved the ball more consistently than Bagent did.
Johnson will have an interesting decision to make, but he will have to be pleased with how both his quarterbacks performed. They showed Johnson enough to know they are secure with either quarterback as a backup. The big decision is which one should win that job. Don’t expect that to be decided until the end of August.”
Bagent was the backup quarterback for the Bears during the 2024 NFL season. He should have the upper hand in this competition, but Keenum’s play on Sunday against Miami has made this competition a little stiffer. It will be important for Chicago to get the backup spot right because there is a chance that Johnson could maybe decide to bench Williams at some point or maybe he gets injured.
The Bears are going to be under the spotlight during the 2025 NFL season after finishing with a 5-12 record last season. Chicago’s next preseason game will be against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night at home.
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