The Chicago Bears had a busy first day of legal tampering. Three fresh faces were added to the defense in the form of safety Coby Bryant, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, and linebacker Devin Bush. However, it wasn’t limited to that. The Bears also retained some of their own free agents with linebacker D’Marco Jackson, special teams ace Daniel Hardy, and left tackle Braxton Jones. However, the most interesting move might’ve been the return of backup quarterback Case Keenum.
On the surface, that doesn’t sound odd at all. Keenum was a tremendous part of the Bears quarterback room in 2025, serving as a sounding board and mentor for Caleb Williams. His motivational skills and intelligence were on full display during several moments last season, including some of Williams’ epic comebacks. Bringing him back isn’t the interesting part. It is how much they paid. Keenum returns on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. For those who don’t know, third-string quarterbacks almost never make more than $1.5 million for a season. The fact that Keenum is making around $4 million should not be brushed aside.
It could signal something else is going on.
The Case Keenum raises alarms about Tyson Bagent.
Right now, the young quarterback remains firmly entrenched as the team’s #2 quarterback. Head coach Ben Johnson loves him. However, it’s no secret the 25-year-old has been surrounded by trade rumors for weeks. The weak state of free agency and the draft at quarterbacks makes the idea of trading for an intriguing backup more palatable. Johnson’s nod of approval certainly helped his case. If the Bears are getting trade offers they feel might be difficult to turn down, then working to retain Keenum makes more sense.
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He is a proven player with several years of experience and can still throw the ball. He now has a strong understanding of Johnson’s offense and is a firm ally of Williams. It’s an obvious move. Don’t forget the Bears have also been quietly sniffing around potential late-round quarterbacks in the NFL draft. They wouldn’t be doing all of this unless there was a chance they might trade Bagent. They could only be waiting to see what happens with notable veterans on the market like Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones.
The Bears may feel Bagent’s market will develop.
Right now, teams seem happy with settling for veteran journeymen. Arizona is moving forward with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew as its options. The Jets just traded for Geno Smith despite a horrendous season in Las Vegas last year. While there is definite interest in Bagent to this point, the Bears’ asking price hasn’t been met. They’ve made it clear they have no desire to get rid of the backup. They love him and believe he is a huge asset to the team. So if another team wants him, they’ll have to pay.
It seems unlikely an offer will happen right now. There are still some free agents out there who haven’t found homes. However, as the draft gets closer, those who don’t get anyone will be left with a choice.
- Gamble on a rookie in what is viewed as a weak draft class
- Flip a day two pick for Bagent, who is young, cheap, and developed
Desperation often leads to aggressive decisions. The Bears are likely banking on that. Locking up Case Keenum now to a two-year deal means the Bears have an insurance policy in place should that offer come. It is the only explanation that makes sense for the pay raise he just got. Not that he doesn’t deserve it.
