Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles revealed during the NFL scouting combine that multiple teams have inquired about acquiring backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, according to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. Among the interested parties, the Arizona Cardinals stand out as they evaluate their quarterback situation ahead of the 2026 season, particularly with Kyler Murray‘s future uncertain due to a foot injury. At 25 years old, Bagent, a former undrafted free agent, could earn a starting role in a rebuilding franchise like Arizona. Over his first three NFL seasons with the Bears, he has played in 12 regular-season games, starting four, completing 99 out of 149 passes for 917 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. Bagent is currently under contract for one more year, having signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Chicago in August 2023.
Potential QB Dynamics as Cardinals Contemplate a Move
The Arizona Cardinals’ front office is reportedly intrigued by Bagent as a trade target, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports noted. With veteran Jacoby Brissett and injured Kyler Murray on their roster for the upcoming season, the Cardinals are expected to actively explore alternatives, including trading Murray after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. Although the team is also targeting prospects in the 2026 draft, Bagent represents a possible immediate option to compete for starting quarterback duties in the desert, should the trade materialize.
Chicago Bears’ Roster and Fantasy Football Outlook
Alongside Bagent, several other Bears players are drawing attention as they approach the 2026 season. General manager Ryan Poles also discussed the status of receiver DJ Moore, acknowledging uncertainty regarding Moore’s future with Chicago as the team assesses his trade market during the combine, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Moore, 28, is midway through a four-year, $110 million contract signed in July 2024, but his 2025 campaign marked a statistical decline, catching only 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns. This drop coincides with the rise of younger receiving options on the Bears, including Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and emerging tight end Colston Loveland.
Wide Receiver Landscape Shifting in Chicago
Rome Odunze started 2025 with a scintillating performance, tallying 20 receptions for 296 yards and five touchdowns in his first four games. However, his production waned in the following contests, totaling 24 catches for 265 yards and a single touchdown across the next eight games before a foot injury sidelined him for the final five regular-season games. Odunze recovered to play in the playoffs and is expected to return to full health in 2026. Despite early promise as a ninth overall draft pick in 2024, Odunze’s fantasy trajectory has cooled somewhat due to increased competition from Moore, Burden III, and Loveland.
Luther Burden III’s stock, by contrast, rose during his rookie season. Over 15 games, he recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. Particularly impressive was his strong finish, catching 25 passes for 357 yards and a touchdown in the final five games, helped in part by Odunze’s injury. At 22, Burden is expected to remain a key contributor to the Bears’ receiving corps and is viewed as a promising long-term asset in dynasty formats.
Breakout Potential for Tight End Colston Loveland
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland impressed in 2025, hauling in 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns over 16 games. His performance accelerated at the season’s end, with 39 catches, 500 yards, and three touchdowns in the final seven games including playoffs. Loveland’s chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams has improved steadily, positioning him for a potential star breakout in 2026. With veteran Cole Kmet’s role likely diminishing, Loveland could become the top tight end option for Chicago. His rookie year numbers and late-season surge have him rated as an elite fantasy tight end prospect in dynasty leagues.
Cole Kmet’s Diminishing Role Ahead of Next Season
Cole Kmet’s fantasy value is on the decline following a subdued 2025 campaign. After two top-eight finishes in previous years, the tight end’s production took a step back under new head coach Ben Johnson, especially once rookie Loveland began sharing snaps. Kmet’s playing time dropped sharply after the Week 5 bye, falling from full snaps in Week 4 to just over half by Week 6. He finished the year with 30 catches, 347 yards, and two touchdowns, his lowest totals since his rookie season. While Kmet is under contract through 2027, he is expected to settle into a secondary role, limiting his upside. Dynasty managers might consider trading him soon, though it’s unlikely to be a strong “sell-high” opportunity.
Caleb Williams Emerging as a Top NFL Quarterback
Caleb Williams, entering his second pro season and operating under Coach Ben Johnson’s system, made significant strides in 2025 and now ranks just outside the top five quarterbacks in dynasty startup leagues. The 2024 first overall pick finished the year as the fifth-best fantasy quarterback, despite a modest 58.1% completion rate and several slow starts that forced the Bears to overcome deficits late in games. With another offseason to refine his supporting cast and offensive scheme, Williams shows strong potential to climb further in fantasy relevance.
DJ Moore’s Fantasy Outlook Clouded by Declining Production
Veteran wide receiver DJ Moore experienced a career-low season in 2025 with 50 receptions for 683 yards and six touchdowns across 17 games, though he remains remarkably durable, having missed only two games in eight NFL seasons. He concluded the year with a solid postseason showing, but signs of age-related decline and the influx of younger receivers on the Bears roster suggest his role may diminish in 2026. Financially committed to a large contract, Moore is expected to stay with Chicago but may no longer carry the fantasy upside he once did.
Kyle Monangai’s Rise as a Running Back Candidate for Chicago
Seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai made a lasting impression in 2025, accumulating 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 187 touches throughout 17 games. Impressively efficient with an average of 4.6 yards per carry, Monangai gradually earned more playing time, eventually sharing backfield responsibilities nearly evenly with established starter D’Andre Swift. As Swift enters the last year of his current contract, Monangai’s strong rookie season raises the possibility that he may emerge as the Bears’ long-term lead running back. His rising dynasty value reflects this potential.
Joe Thuney Honored as Top Protector for 2025
Offensive guard Joe Thuney earned the inaugural Protector of the Year award for his outstanding performance during the 2025 season, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. Acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs last March for a fourth-round draft pick and signed to a two-year, $35 million contract, the 33-year-old veteran significantly bolstered Chicago’s offensive line. His contribution helped the Bears secure the NFC North title and advance to the divisional playoff round, with the offensive line allowing just 24 sacks—the third-fewest in the league.
Significance of Trade Rumors and What Lies Ahead
The emerging trade interest in Tyson Bagent highlights the shifting landscape for quarterbacks in the NFL as teams strategize for 2026. For the Bears, trading Bagent could open opportunities to tweak their quarterback room around Caleb Williams while also capitalizing on market demand. Arizona’s potential move away from Kyler Murray signals a franchise in transition aiming to retool its offense with younger talent.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s mix of veteran players and promising young talent across skill positions underscores a critical offseason for the franchise. Decisions about DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and the integration of rising stars like Burden III and Loveland will shape the team’s NFL and fantasy outlook. The Bears also appear poised to continue nurturing Caleb Williams’ development as their franchise quarterback.
Dynasty managers and NFL analysts alike will be watching these evolving storylines closely, as they will define not just Chicago’s direction but also how the quarterback market unfolds. With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Bears and Cardinals are both set to make pivotal decisions impacting their rosters and long-term outlooks.
