Every conversation around the Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation has involved two topics. One is Caleb Williams. He’s hoping to build on the promise he showed as a rookie last year and got a massive boost in the offseason with investments on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and at tight end. That doesn’t include a brand new coaching staff headlined by elite play caller Ben Johnson. The other was Case Keenum, one of the league’s most respected veteran backup quarterbacks, who signed with the Bears in March. This has made it easy to forget Tyson Bagent.
The former undrafted free agent didn’t see much action last season as Williams managed to play every game. Yet nobody ever questioned if his job might be in jeopardy. Did the arrival of Keenum change that? Not according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. She was asked on Kap & J-Hood about Bagent’s future now that he is in the final year of his rookie contract. One thing she made crystal clear was that the organization loves him. They value him highly and hope to enter contract extension talks sometime in the coming months.
Tyson Bagent has a chance to enter rare territory.
Stability at quarterback is not something the Bears have enjoyed over the past several years. That includes teh backup spot. Since the dawn of the Super Bowl era, the record for most years spent exclusively as a backup in Chicago is four, featuring a tie between Vince Evans and Peter Tom Willis. This will be the third season for Tyson Bagent. If he signs an extension, he’ll become the third player to accomplish that feat. What we don’t know is whether he would be interested in such a thing. Bagent is a competitor. He works hard. There is no way he will get a chance to play as long as Williams is in town. Is he fine serving as the primary backup, or could he decide to take a calculated risk by going to another team that might give him a chance to start?
It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened. Josh McCown did it after the 2013 season. Brian Griese left after 2006. It’s natural for guys to seek out opportunities to play. This will come down to what Bagent believes his opportunities are. If the demand for him is high, perhaps the Bears would be wise to trade him before he leaves next spring.
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