The Chicago Bears hold a unique position with a promising starting quarterback in Caleb Williams and a capable backup in Tyson Bagent. However, with Bagent expected to seek starting opportunities, the Bears face the possibility of trading him soon, amid rising interest from multiple NFL teams.
Bagent remains under contract with Chicago for two more years on a $10 million deal, making him an attractive trade candidate. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who may look to move two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray once the new league year begins, have shown interest in acquiring Bagent. Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons, led by new head coach Kevin Stefanski, have emerged as potential suitors as they plan to release Kirk Cousins and rely on an injury-prone Michael Penix Jr. for the third year of his inconsistent NFL career.
Growing Demand for Tyson Bagent Among NFL Teams
Despite not seeing significant playing time behind Caleb Williams, who started every regular-season and playoff game over the past two years, Bagent’s trade value remains strong. The Bears appear open to trading him, and Bagent could command a draft pick equivalent to Day 2 selections, reflecting his status as one of the league’s top backup quarterbacks. Interest from teams such as the Cardinals and Falcons suggests multiple franchises believe Bagent has the potential to develop into a starting signal-caller elsewhere.
Chicago’s decision to keep him through the upcoming season before trading might offer a safety net if Williams were to suffer an injury. However, as the demand fluctuates with team needs, holding Bagent longer could reduce his market value since the availability of starting quarterback opportunities is fluid and uncertain. At 25, Bagent’s future trade value may diminish if the timing to move him is missed.
Chicago Bears Management Confirms Openness to Trading Bagent
Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, addressed the ongoing trade discussions during the NFL Combine media session. Poles acknowledged receiving multiple inquiries about Bagent and emphasized the complexity of the decision involving the coaching staff and locker room dynamics.
“We’ve gotten a few calls there. Obviously, the tough thing is, what [head coach] Ben [Johnson] thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson,”
Poles explained.
“That’s a really tough decision for us. But for Tyson as well, I think he would have the opportunity to go perform for a team and do some really good things. But again, you have to weigh the short-term and long-term.”
?Ryan Poles, General Manager of the Chicago Bears
Poles’ remarks stopped short of ruling out a trade, highlighting the balance the Bears must maintain between short-term backup reliability and long-term career opportunities for Bagent. His comments also serve as a strategic foundation for negotiations by signaling Chicago’s recognition of Bagent’s trade appeal.
Connections Between Bears and Falcons Fuel Trade Discussions
New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has ties to Chicago, having previously worked under Ryan Poles. This relationship could facilitate smoother trade talks regarding Bagent, aligning with Atlanta’s need to upgrade its quarterback position after planning to move on from Cousins. Michael Penix Jr.’s injuries and uneven performance leave the Falcons searching for more stability under center.
Alongside the interest from the Cardinals, the Falcons add weight to the possibility that Bagent’s next team could provide him with the chance to showcase his skills as a potential starting quarterback. The Bears’ willingness to consider a trade enhances the chance that this offseason will bring clarity to Bagent’s career trajectory.
The Falcons are viewed as a potential trade destination for Tyson Bagent.
The Bears appear open to moving Bagent, who could fetch Day 2 draft pick value as one of the NFL’s best backups thus far.
New Atlanta GM Ian Cunningham worked under Ryan Poles in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/4g5axN0m0g
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 24, 2026
Ryan Poles on Tyson Bagent: pic.twitter.com/ZAs97KhMV3
— Taylor Doll (@TayDoll1010xl) February 24, 2026
