The Chicago Bears surprised many last offseason when they elected to extend backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. It wasn’t the shock that the team did it. They’d made it clear they loved having him and would prefer to keep it that way. No, the surprise was that Bagent accepted the offer. It had been expected that the young backup would eventually leave as a free agent in 2026, hoping to compete for a starting job elsewhere. The Bears had drafted Caleb Williams #1 overall in 2024. He wasn’t going anywhere. Instead, Bagent opted to take a decent deal to stay put.
Part of the reason for it was loyalty to the Bears for believing in him when other teams didn’t. However, another part wanted the chance to work under new head coach Ben Johnson. Bagent was aware of the man’s offensive reputation and felt learning from him would be beneficial. It didn’t take Johnson long to take a liking to the young quarterback, which is why the Bears moved quickly to extend him. The head coach recently stated he believes Bagent is one of the 32 best quarterbacks in the NFL. According to Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns of CHGO, those comments got the attention of other teams.
“There’s just not a lot of good quarterbacks available,” an executive said.
Johnson’s effusive praise of Bagent at the combine was heard around the league, including by some QB-needy teams. And many believe him. “It’s something,” a scout said.
Teams have been doing their research on Bagent for some time. The general consensus is that, although he doesn’t have the physical gifts of Williams, there is talent to work with.
“He more than makes up for it on the mental side, too,” a scout said.
Several league contacts brought up what Bagent did in the Bears’ win against the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason. He was 20-for-28 passing for 212 yards and three touchdowns. He also led a game-winning drive in the final two minutes.
Ben Johnson’s opinion of Tyson Bagent goes a long way.
The wider NFL has the utmost respect for the Bears head coach and his offensive acumen. As well they should. In four years, Johnson has never not had a top 10 offense. He got Jared Goff to play the best football of his career, and now elevated Caleb Williams to the best season any Chicago quarterback has ever had. This man knows what they’re supposed to look like. If he says Bagent has the goods to start in this league, other teams would be wise to listen. That is especially true this offseason.
Just look at the list of free agents who could be available.
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| Player | 2025 Team | Age | Status | Big concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Willis | Packers | 27 | UFA | Only started a couple of games in a proven offense and will cost upwards of $30 million per year |
| Daniel Jones | Colts | 29 | UFA | Tore his Achilles tendon last season |
| Aaron Rodgers | Steelers | 42 | UFA | Ancient by NFL standards and likely only considering contenders |
| Marcus Mariota | Commanders | 32 | UFA | Has been a backup for many years and has never proven himself as a starter |
| Joe Flacco | Bengals | 41 | UFA | Also way over the hill and not equipped to elevate a team |
| Russell Wilson | Giants | 37 | UFA | Has been a disaster ever since leaving Seattle and clearly doesn’t have any juice left |
Then you look at the draft. Francisco Mendoza is the only quarterback certain to go in the 1st round. After that, many believe another may not go until day two. It is a weak class with lots of questions. From the perspective of QB-needy teams, which would you rather do? Spend a 2nd round pick on a rookie who needs a ton of work and may not pan out, or spend a 2nd round pick on a 25-year-old kid who has NFL experience and a firm nod of approval from one of the NFL’s best offensive minds?
The Bears are rightfully banking on the latter.
They understand how limited a commodity quarterbacks are. Tyson Bagent checks key boxes. He’s young, experienced, has played under a top coach, and above all, cheap. The two years left on his new contract are easily affordable for even cash-strapped teams. That is why they feel justified in demanding a high price. Current belief is it’s in the vicinity of a 2nd round pick. That isn’t unheard of. Jimmy Garoppolo went for a 2nd in 2017 from New England to San Francisco. That worked out pretty well for the 49ers
The obvious unanswered question is which team could end up being the one that foots the bill? Arizona was the first mentioned as an interested party. Ian Cunningham is GM in Atlanta. He helped add Tyson Bagent as an undrafted free agent in 2023. They need a quarterback. The New York Jets need one and have an extra 2nd round pick at their disposal. It’s all about the right situation presenting itself. If a couple of teams miss out on who they may want in free agency, they may pivot to Bagent rather than take their chances in the draft.
