Tyson Bagent, who has served as the Chicago Bears’ backup quarterback during the last two seasons, is set to face a strong challenge from veteran Case Keenum in the upcoming offseason. As the Bears approach training camp without an established depth chart in July, both Bagent and Keenum will compete to become the second-string QB behind starter Caleb Williams, in a pivotal contest for the backup quarterback competition Bears fans will be closely watching.
Veteran analyst Mike Clay from ESPN predicts Case Keenum holds an edge over Bagent in securing the backup role, underscoring the intense nature of the battle. This quarterback duel represents a compelling storyline for the Bears as they prepare for the 2024 campaign.
Case Keenum’s Experience Makes Him a Strong Contender for Bears’ Backup QB Spot
Case Keenum brings over a decade of NFL experience into this competition, making him a significant presence in the Bears’ quarterback room. The 37-year-old has appeared in 80 NFL games, starting 66, and amassed 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions, compiling a career record of 37 wins and 43 losses.
Keenum’s most notable season came in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to an impressive 11–3 record and threw for 3,547 yards along with 22 touchdowns. He guided the Vikings to the NFC Championship game that year, boasting a completion rate of 67.6%, one of the league’s best, and a passer rating of 98.3.
Following his peak season, Keenum’s career involved multiple stops including the Denver Broncos (2018), Washington Commanders (2019), Cleveland Browns (2020-21), Buffalo Bills (2022), and Houston Texans (2023). Despite missing most of the 2024 season due to a foot injury, the Bears signed him primarily for his leadership and ability to mentor younger quarterbacks, rather than for athletic prowess alone.
Why Tyson Bagent’s Youth and Potential Could Give Him an Edge for the Backup Role
Tyson Bagent offers a different set of qualities, highlighted by his outstanding rise from an undrafted Division II college player to becoming the first such quarterback to start an NFL game since 1950. His rookie season with the Bears in 2023 was promising, appearing in five games and starting four.
During that rookie campaign, Bagent completed 94 of 143 passes for 859 yards and three touchdowns, alongside six interceptions. He also contributed 102 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. Notably, he achieved a 2–2 record as a starter, including a victory over the Raiders in Week 7 and impressive performances against high-profile rookies like Bryce Young.
In the current 2024 season, Bagent has remained the team’s backup behind Williams, though with limited playing time, attempting only two passes for 11 yards.
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles appears to be building a three-quarterback roster composed of Williams as the starter, Keenum as the veteran mentor, and Bagent as the developing prospect. For the backup role on game day, Bagent’s youth, demonstrated resilience under pressure, and upside may give him an advantage over Keenum when it comes to earning the coaching staff’s trust.
Still, Keenum’s value extends beyond immediate playtime, as his extensive experience and guidance are expected to benefit both Williams and Bagent in practice and during the season.
Upcoming Training Camp Battles to Shape the Bears’ Quarterback Depth
The Bears’ 2024 training camp will serve as the proving ground where Bagent and Keenum vie for the backup quarterback position. This competition has gained attention because it contrasts Keenum’s veteran experience with Bagent’s youthful potential and recent on-field performances.
Whichever quarterback earns the QB2 spot will play a crucial role in supporting Caleb Williams and potentially stepping in during games. The team’s approach aims to balance the reliability of an experienced mentor with the developmental promise of a younger player.
The outcome of this contest will influence Chicago’s quarterback dynamics and could impact their offensive strategy throughout the upcoming season, making it a significant storyline worth monitoring.
“Tyson Bagent has been impressive since landing in Chicago in 2023.”
—Mike Clay, ESPN Analyst
“There’s a chance Keenum beats Bagent out, sure, but based on how Bagent has fought in these competitions before, we’re not betting against him.”
—Ryan Poles, Bears GM