Last season, Tyson Bagent, an undrafted division II product, earned a spot on the Bears roster. As QB2 behind Justin Fields, he stepped up by winning two out of four starts when Fields was injured. This all but confirmed the Bears made the right decision to favor the rookie quarterback over veteran signal caller P.J. Walker. Now, with Fields chapter closed, Bagent continues to write his story in Chicago. With the arrival of Caleb Williams, the starting position remains likely out of reach for Bagent. Nonetheless, in a recent interview on NBC Sports Chicago alongside his father, Bagent remained optimistic and shared his mindset for his upcoming sophomore season with Williams now in the picture.
“Obviously, he’s a superstar of an athlete and I think a lot of people know that, which is why it is so exciting. But I think outside of that, [I’m] just trying to keep it as normal as possible, understand that he’s just a normal human being like everybody else. He’s going to go through good things, bad things, everything in between. So, [I plan on] being able to be another set of eyes for him so I can help him be the greatest resource that he can possibly be for the Bears.”
It’s not surprising given Bagent’s handling of the Bears current QB room. He’s the favorite to back up Caleb Williams next season. As mentioned in the interview, he’s been relentlessly studying Shane Waldron’s new playbook and from his YouTube workout videos, his commitment is definitely there in the weight room. It would be shocking if he wasn’t QB2 to start training camp. And if he were needed to fill in for a couple games next season, the second year quarterback would be ready to fill in at any moment.
Just like he proved he could do during his rookie season. Considering his contract is three years and just $2.7 million total, investing in Bagent is a a no brainer, especially compared to the average costs of backup quarterbacks around the NFL. The Bears stand only to gain by continuing to develop him when you factor in the overall value he brings to the roster both in talent and cost control.
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I liked this kid last year for his moxie. He knew what he was and what he could give to the team. Nothing has changed, this kid just gets it! You have to root for players like this, and you can never have too many of them.
I think what people miss here is that Williams and Bagent are cut from the same mold psychologically. Their focus is winning and being the best they can be. It also seems there is room for someone else to grow and develop. Regardless of talent, sometimes the right mindset is just as important.
I think the two of them together gives us one of the best duos in the NFL. Maybe not in the talent respect for Bagent, but you will never find him unprepared and that alone will push Williams to be better.
Just as in economics, “growth” and “development” in football are two different things. The former can be gauged by a number of typical quantitative indices, while the latter can be assessed more qualitatively as stages of contextual understanding, game planning, situational awareness, time management, comeback ability, leadership, offensive player integration and rapport, reading defenses, winning …
Interesting outlook. Would be a win-win for both sides.
My hope, for Bagent, going forward over several years, is that he develops to the point where a team without a stud QB is interested in trading for him, and the Bears can get some draft capitol while Bagent gets a starting gig. I think Poles would be behind that.