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Tyson Bagent went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Division II Shepherd University, subsequently signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
Despite being a top trade candidate all offseason, Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent remains on the roster as of May 7 and appears to be on track to support Caleb Williams once again for the 2026 season. In the midst of the rumors that have swirled about his availability, Bagent made his feelings clear in an interview with ESPN Chicago on Wednesday.
“I am so unbelievably grateful to be in the position that I’m in,” Bagent stated. “Nobody ever thought, besides my family, that I would be in the position that I’m in right now.”
Head coach Ben Johnson has expressed equal gratitude for Bagent being a member of the Bears.
“I love Tyson”, Johnson proclaimed in an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine. “That’s one that kind of pulls at your heartstrings a little bit because he’s someone that you care about so deeply, and he’s a hell of a football player…at some point you want to see him have a chance to do it himself.”
Johnson alluded to the flipside of the coin, in that there is value in keeping a player of Bagent’s caliber on the roster, but at the same time, you want to give them the best opportunity to succeed. Johnson stated that he believes Bagent is one of the Top 32 quarterbacks in the league. While Bagent may be comfortable with his role currently, he made it clear that he has bigger plans down the road.
GettyThe Chicago Bears signed quarterback Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million contract extension before the 2025 season.
“I want to play,” Bagent stated. “I think with what I’ve put on tape, it’s inevitable at this point that that will come soon. War is prepared for in times of peace. So, right now, it’s nice and peaceful right now. But, that’s not to say… I ain’t got no choice. I’m bought and spoken for.”
Bagent mentality mirrors a starter in a backup’s body. At any minute during the season, he could be thrust into the spotlight for a Super Bowl hopeful team. Hopefully, it never comes to that, but make no mistakes beyond this season; he has no plans to remain an emergency option for long.
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent is 2-2 as a starter, throwing for 917 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions during his career.
“I’m not sharpening my sword anticipating a career full of peacefulness and easy-going,” Bagent explained. “Oh, you could just kill it in the summer and the preseason and then be the backup and everything will go good. I’m not anticipating that. I am anticipating to be thrown in there… There is no running from it at this point; it’s coming. That’s where my head is at. I want to be ready to go at any moment.”
The admiration is palpable between Bagent and the organization. While Bagent may be eager for his opportunity, he continues to put the overall state of the team first. “The way to show respect to the organization is just be as ready as I can be,” Bagent said. “Which is just what’s going on right now.”
The best case for Chicago is that the only snaps Bagent takes are in victory formation. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to outrun the storm forever. At some point, they will have to make a tough choice about how to proceed with the piece of gold in their back pocket.
Justin Platt NFL MultiMedia Journalist and Writer at Heavy Sports More about Justin Platt
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