The Chicago Bears face a crucial decision this preseason as Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum compete for the backup quarterback position behind rookie Caleb Williams. If Keenum secures the No. 2 role, the Bears could explore trading Bagent to a nearby rival, potentially the Minnesota Vikings, capitalizing on his value as a proven young backup.
Bagent entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent before the 2023 season. He impressed by winning the backup spot behind Justin Fields and started four games when Fields was sidelined due to injury. During that stretch, Bagent recorded a 2-2 record while throwing for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding 109 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 23 carries.
Following the season, Chicago traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers and selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the draft. Despite the changes, Bagent retained his backup quarterback role for 2024, entering what will be the final year of his $2.72 million contract before restricted free agency. While the Bears appreciate Bagent’s potential and cost-effectiveness, they have brought in veteran Case Keenum to challenge him for the position.
Keenum, who had his best season in Minnesota in 2017, comes into the 2024 campaign at age 37 and carries limited trade value. By contrast, Bagent’s youth and prior on-field experience could make him an appealing asset for teams seeking a capable backup quarterback, particularly those with QB depth concerns.
Vikings Seek Stability Behind Starter J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings are currently assessing their quarterback depth chart, particularly the backup role behind starter J.J. McCarthy. Despite a promising preseason performance by Sam Howell, Minnesota’s presumed QB2 remains under scrutiny due to inconsistency and limited experience. In the team’s second-string practices, head coach Kevin O’Connell has recently promoted Brett Rypien over Howell, signaling dissatisfaction and triggering speculation about potential roster moves.
Howell demonstrated accuracy and decision-making against the Houston Texans in Minnesota’s preseason opener, completing 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards. However, his strong outing may not be enough to secure his backup position given the Vikings’ cautious approach. As a result, the team could target an alternate option to reinforce the quarterback room, and Tyson Bagent fits that profile well due to his ability to provide reliable depth and game-ready experience.
Trading Bagent Could Benefit Bears if Keenum Emerges as Backup
Should Keenum prove the better candidate during the preseason competition, the Bears could seek to trade Bagent for a draft pick, maximizing value before final roster cuts. For a franchise like Minnesota, which harbors uncertainty at QB2 and questions about McCarthy’s inexperience, acquiring Bagent would offer a veteran presence with a documented capacity to contribute under pressure.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson offered high praise for Bagent during an August 5 press conference, highlighting his intelligence, focus, and work ethic.
“Man, he’s been phenomenal. I mean, he’s smart as a whip. Appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a room,”
Johnson said.
“He’s locked in, he’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him. Love the fact he’ll throw the ball, and he keeps working through his progressions. … I think he’s taken this seriously. He’s preparing the right way, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s here with us.”
—Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears head coach
While the Bears value Bagent’s development and cost-effectiveness, they must balance that against roster needs. Keeping Bagent makes sense if he clearly outperforms Keenum or if the Bears envision him as a long-term backup. Otherwise, trading him to a divisional rival such as the Vikings for a late-round draft pick would enhance the Bears’ flexibility and potentially improve their draft capital.
With a backup quarterback competition intensifying in Chicago and uncertainty in Minnesota’s quarterback depth, the 2024 preseason is shaping up to be a critical period for Tyson Bagent’s NFL future, offering both teams a potential win-win scenario depending on how the battle unfolds.