All signs point towards USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the likely choice for the Bears with the number 1 overall pick. Currently, the Bears have second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent as their backup. Even though he had a 2-2 record as a starter in his rookie season, there are still valid concerns about whether he’s the ideal choice to back up a rookie QB. The Bears have also added veteran quarterback Brett Rypien, who’s familiar with the offense led by Shane Waldron in Seattle.
Recently, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested the Bears might consider signing former Pro Bowl QB Ryan Tannehill. This wouldn’t be to challenge Williams for the starting position but rather to mentor him during his rookie season and strengthen the quarterback room with a veteran presence. Holder emphasized that the idea isn’t about creating competition but about supporting Williams’ development in his first year.
“Poles could add a veteran mentor for the incoming rookie. Tannehill could serve as the Bears’ backup quarterback as that role is currently occupied by second-year pro Tyson Bagent.”
Is this move a possibility for the Bears?
According to PFF, Ryan Tannehill’s projected contract is a 2-year deal worth an average of $7.5 million per year, with $10 million guaranteed and a total value of $15 million. Given the settled free agency market, this price might have decreased. If the Bears are genuinely interested in signing Tannehill, a more likely scenario could be a one-year deal in the $4 million to $5 million range.
The Bears have been calculated but also aggressive in both free agency and trades, leaving them with $22.4 million in cap space. However, this doesn’t include the money needed to sign their 2024 rookie draft class. Therefore, pursuing a veteran quarterback to back up their rookie doesn’t seem realistic financially, and it might not be well-received by the fans. Justin Fields previously had Andy Dalton and Nick Foles as backups his rookie year, which didn’t work out well. While having Tannehill as a mentor could be beneficial for Williams, financially, it doesn’t seem to align with Ryan Poles’ plans or previous spending habits.
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Who Should The Bears Draft: Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze
In the most recent episode of the BFR Podcast, presented by Sports Mockery, Dave and Ficky break down Caleb Williams top-30 visit, Rome Odunze, and answer all your questions in a massive Bears Q&A. You can listen to the podcast on like Apple and Spotify, or any other podcast app you usually use. Also, the show is on YouTube, so you can watch it with the video provided below.
With the talent the Bears have assembled for CW’s future success, they could use it for Tyson’s success. The team’s more talented this past year. Tyson went 2 & 2. With more talent, trade down from #1 and start Tyson.
Bagent should be considered for QB2. He worked for it, and proved he can step up if needed.
Use the cap to fill more pressing needs. IMO
NO! Keep Bagent
I agree with the consensus that veteran QB Tannehill is not needed.
Cap space would be better served to sign FA Center Connor Williams after the draft if he is progressing well after surgery as a backup to possibly start in November if Bears do not add JPJ or other top center prospect. I’d rather have JPJ as healthy young long-term anchor but it is wise to have Plan B.
What healthy FA DEs are still available if Poles doesn’t take Turner at 1.9 and trades down?
Rypien is fine as the veteran voice. In some ways, a veteran who didn’t have great success is better in this role, as they needed to use every trick in the book to maximize their skill level, whereas successful players just used their natural talent. Who would make a better QB coach in 15 years – Mahomes or Foles?