This offseason, the Chicago Bears face an unexpected situation involving quarterback Tyson Bagent. Despite a strong roster led by third-year quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, the team’s front office is considering trade inquiries for Bagent, a backup quarterback who has gained attention since joining the team.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson revealed they are carefully evaluating the possibility of trading Bagent, citing both his potential and the challenges that decision entails.
Balancing Team Needs and Player Potential
Bagent entered the Bears as an undrafted player in 2023 after five seasons as the starting quarterback for Division II Shepherd. Undeterred by his undrafted status, he secured a backup role during training camp before Johnson’s arrival in 2025. Bagent earned the starting job in four games as a rookie, winning two, including a notable victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
In August 2025, he signed a two-year contract extension, reflecting the team’s belief in his future contributions. Now 26 years old, Bagent has become a significant figure in the Bears’ depth chart behind Caleb Williams.
Poles described the situation as complicated, emphasizing the difficult balance between short-term and long-term planning.
“It’s a really tough decision for us,”
Poles stated.
“Obviously the tough thing is with what Ben thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson, it’s a tough decision for us. I think he would have an opportunity to go and perform for a team and do some really good things. You’ve got to weigh the short-term and long-term. So now, what’s the cost for a replacement to get someone like Tyson? Interesting dynamic there that we’re going to have to work through.”
Coaching Staff’s Perspective and the Future Outlook
Ben Johnson expressed strong support for Bagent while acknowledging the organization’s priorities.
“I love Tyson. We will always do what’s best for organization,”
Johnson said.
“I’m of the mind that he was one of the best 32 in the NFL.”
This statement underlines Bagent’s valued status despite the uncertainty around his future with the Bears.
The Bears’ decision on whether to retain or trade Bagent will have significant implications for the quarterback position and the team’s strategy moving forward. The potential departure of a rising quarterback highlights the challenges of managing roster depth under the pressures of competitiveness and player development.
With the NFL season approaching, the Bears must navigate this complex situation carefully, weighing Bagent’s talent against the cost and availability of potential replacements, ultimately shaping the team’s trajectory heading into the coming years.
