Nathan Peterman Can Serve As A Quality Bridge Backup Quarterback To Tyson Bagent

The Bears will host the Buffalo Bills in the final preseason game of 2023 before the start of the regular season in two weeks, as backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has been the most talked about player over the past few weeks. Bagent, an undrafted free agent, has a chance with another quality performance to cement his spot on Chicago’s roster heading into the start of the season. Although all eyes will be on the former Shepherd playmaker against the Bills, another backup quarterback, Nathan Peterman, could solidify an even more vital role for the Bears.

Peterman Has Proven Himself As A Capable Backup For The Bears Already

Heading into the preseason slate of games two weeks ago, Chicago had former Panthers starting quarterback P.J. Walker listed as the team’s second-stringer at the position behind current starter Justin Fields. Despite starting seven games for Carolina over the past three seasons and demonstrating an ability to be a sound backup in the league, he has struggled significantly in the Bears’ two preseason games. Walkers’ poor play has opened the door for Peterman and Bagent to receive consideration for the backup role, with head coach Matt Eberflus saying the position is open.

Although Bagent has looked impressive in the Bears’ two games with his quick decision-making, high accuracy, and calm demeanor, he still will be an inexperienced rookie placed in the massive role of backing up Fields. If Chicago’s third-year quarterback goes down with any injury and misses significant time, it would be potentially disastrous for Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to place a Division-II quarterback with no experience in a position to start NFL games. Unfortunately, Walker hasn’t instilled confidence in the Bears’ coaching staff, as the former Panthers signal-caller has looked uncomfortable when trying to execute the offensive scheme.

With Bagent’s inexperience and Walkers’ struggles, this is where Peterman could solve the issue for Chicago’s backup quarterback position. The former Bills’ quarterback has been in the league since 2017 and has steadily improved year after year following a disastrous first few seasons in the NFL. Peterman is entering his second season in Getsy’s offensive system and has looked competent in every game he has played for the Bears, whether it’s the 2023 preseason or regular season.

Peterman started the Bears’ 2022 season finale against the Minnesota Vikings and performed adequately despite sharing snaps with Tim Boyle. Against the Vikings, the former Pittsburgh product completed 11 of 19 passes for 114 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet. Peterman’s knowledge of Chicago’s offense and ability to execute Getsy’s scheme can allow the team to keep Bagent on the roster instead of trying to keep him on the practice squad, where he can be signed by another team.

Peterman’s Presence Is More Vital To Bagent Than Fields

If Chicago’s coaching staff is keen on keeping Bagent on the roster, it is in their best interest to have Peterman backup Fields instead of Walker. For the betterment of the undrafted rookie’s development, a situation of playing behind two veteran quarterbacks with two years of experience in the offensive scheme would provide invaluable knowledge. The key to the successful development of Bagent is to have a bridge quarterback in place until the undraft rookie proves that he is ready and capable to assume the role as the Bears’ second-string signal-caller. Peterman is the perfect bridge passer, as he has proven capable of starting a game or two if a starter is injured.

Bagent’s development will be determined by how long he can sit and learn from the bench while not being concerned with when he could be forced into action if Fields suffers an injury. The issue with Chicago’s starting quarterback is that he is highly susceptible to the risk of injury due to his dual-threat ability. Fields, last season, led the league in rushing yards by a quarterback with 1143, but missed two games after getting hurt. There were also times when the starter would look extremely fatigued after games in which he recorded many rushing attempts.

Although Peterman may not be the best option at the quarterback position if Fields suffers a long-term injury, he could be a terrific option to fill in for a game or two. Additionally, Chicago would only need the former Bills’ passer to be the backup for this season before being able to transition to Bagent in 2024, if not by the end of 2023. The main goal for the Bears’ offense is to have sustained passing success, yet a smaller goal will be developing a long-term solution at the backup quarterback position, as the undrafted free agent from Shepherd gives them that solution, but not at the start of this season.

Walker could still be in a place to be the Bears’ backup quarterback with a good showing against Buffalo on Saturday, but another poor performance poses a liability if the coaching staff chooses the former Panther over Peterman. The worst-case scenario could be where Walker struggles to execute if pressed into action following an injury to Fields, to be replaced by Bagent, who fails because he is forced into action too soon. When Chicago kickoffs the season against the Green Bay Packers on September 10th, the quarterback position for the Bears could have depth that has never been as strong, depending on placement at the backup role.