Tyson Bagent has served as the Chicago Bears’ backup quarterback for the past two years. There has been no indication the team is unhappy with him. The former undrafted free agent has carried himself well and looked better than expected in his playing opportunities. However, things always change when a new coaching staff comes in. Head coach Ben Johnson has never worked with Bagent before. Over the past three years as an offensive coordinator, Johnson always had a veteran with at least six years of NFL experience sitting behind his starter. First, it was Nate Sudfeld in 2022 and then Teddy Bridgewater in 2023 and 2024. Would he be comfortable having the still relatively inexperienced Bagent behind a second-year quarterback like Caleb Williams?
Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron isn’t so sure. The Bears insider suggested a possibility exists that the team may go hunting for a veteran presence to put behind their young starter. He even brought up a name that is sure to generate reactions from fans.
“Carson Wentz is available who spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have signed Gardner Minshew and are going in another direction, so Wentz could be an option.”
Wentz would be a questionable choice behind Caleb Williams.
Nobody can dispute the fact that the former #2 overall pick is talented. A few years ago, he was considered an MVP contender. The Philadelphia Eagles don’t win the Super Bowl in 2017 without his efforts. Unfortunately, things fell apart for him shockingly fast after that season, thanks to a mix of injury problems and questions about his work ethic. That is why he was relegated to backup duties by age 31. He has served that role for both the Rams and Chiefs the past two seasons.
Is he capable of serving as a veteran mentor like Bridgewater undoubtedly was? That seems unlikely. A better option might be Case Keenum. He’s been a backup for many years and is loved and respected by teammates everywhere he’s been. Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud can attest to the benefits of his presence. The 37-year-old would make a great sounding board for Caleb Williams, far more than Wentz ever would.
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Hang on to Bagent. Dependable back ups are priceless. He’s already proved he can digest the playbook and execute. Most teams completely shut down when the starter goes down. Sadly he’ll most likely walk in FA next year
Carson Wentz? Does he still exist??
We have a better backup than Wentz now. I feel like Zimmerman just put this out there for clicks.
I like Bagent. He’s young, can run and has improved to become a solid backup.
No, to Wentz.
Nah we already got our guy. Bagent is nasty. Now that he can learn from an actual offensive guru him and Caleb will both become so much better. Im sure alot of the tips these veterans would bring are already known by Ben. Why pay that kind of money just to give Caleb a personal cheer leader it doesn’t make sense.