Fans always love an underdog story when training camp comes around. It is great to see young men emerging from obscurity to fight for a roster spot. Part of the thriller is knowing there is a chance, however small it may be, that this player goes on to become an NFL star. That is why guys like Tanner Gentry, Dane Sanzenbacher, and others become such favorites every year. Most of the time, they’re nothing more than a fun side story until they get cut. Tyson Bagent feels different.
The young quarterback out of Shepherd was an interesting name to follow in the pre-draft process. He set Division II passing records. Then he looked sharp at the Senior Bowl. While it wasn’t enough to get drafted, the Bears made him a priority undrafted free agent signing in May. After an unremarkable start to training camp, the rookie hit another gear a couple of weeks ago. This culminated in two strong preseason performances against Tennessee and Indianapolis, with Bagent looking calm, poised, accurate, and in control. Many have started wondering if he deserves a shot at unseating P.J. Walker as the primary backup behind Justin Fields despite his inexperience.
The Bears have danced around the subject for the past week, but team insider Adam Jahns of The Athletic offered this reminder.
“What you’re not hearing from the Bears is that vote of confidence for Walker, who received a two-year deal from the team to back up Fields.
Getsy did indicate that all experiences will be taken into consideration for the role – and Walker clearly has more in the NFL than Bagent. But Bagent has played better for a couple weeks in camp.”
Tyson Bagent needs one more push.
It was already interesting when the Bears played him ahead of Nathan Peterman last week against the Colts. That was the first indication they wanted a closer look at what he could do. His 92-yard drive for a score undoubtedly left an impression. Meanwhile, Walker has struggled in his two preseason appearances, going 5-of-12 for 25 yards and an interception. Reports from training camp don’t paint a brighter picture. He’s thrown a lot of interceptions in practice, too. While he may have more experience than Bagent, it doesn’t seem to be benefitting him much.
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The third and final preseason game could be decisive in this battle. It isn’t clear if Justin Fields will play against the Buffalo Bills. If he does, Walker will likely get the first nod after he’s done. The backup must put together some type of positive performance. If he struggles again, Tyson Bagent may overtake him without having to play another snap.
More interestingly, if Bagent doesn’t play at all in this game, it would clearly indicate that the Bears plan to keep him—so much intrigue for a game that isn’t supposed to matter.
