Caleb Williams responded succinctly after the Chicago Bears extended backup quarterback Tyson Bagent’s contract by $10 million. On Wednesday, Williams posted a two-word message on Instagram, capturing his feelings about the team’s decision.
Bagent joined the Bears in 2023 as an undrafted free agent after a remarkable college career at Shepherd University, where he set multiple NCAA Division II records during his five years as a starter.
Tyson Bagent’s Impact and Performance with the Bears
Bagent has appeared occasionally for Chicago, mainly stepping in during the 2023 season when starter Justin Fields was sidelined due to injury. During those opportunities, Bagent threw for 856 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute at the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL level even if the Bears’ overall results did not improve dramatically.
In a decisive victory over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, Bagent added 196 passing yards and one touchdown, highlighting his continued value as a reliable backup quarterback.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Bagent’s dedication and mental sharpness, telling ESPN,
“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. Meeting room, walk-through, it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in. He’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him.” —Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach
Though Bagent is unlikely to earn a full-time starting role in the NFL, his performance so far suggests he can reliably support the team during critical moments, helping to stabilize the Bears’ offensive efforts when necessary.
Tyson Bagent Expresses Gratitude for Contract Extension
Tyson Bagent also shared his thoughts on securing the contract extension with the Bears, showing appreciation for the vote of confidence from the organization.
“That is the best compliment I can think of receiving. It means the world,’ Bagent said. “It allows me to come into the office with as much confidence as I could possibly have. As long as I can feel like that and continue to work as hard as I can — the harder I work, the luckier I get. I’m just trying to keep that thing doing.” —Tyson Bagent, Bears Backup Quarterback
Although Bagent saw limited playing time last season due to Caleb Williams staying healthy and active, he remains a key figure in the Bears’ depth chart as a dependable second-string quarterback.
The organization’s decision to invest $10 million in Bagent indicates their satisfaction with his role as both a capable backup and a leader who fosters confidence within the team.
Looking Ahead: Bagent’s Role and Team Expectations
With this contract extension, the Bears have reinforced their commitment to maintaining stability at the backup quarterback position, allowing Caleb Williams and Justin Fields to focus on their starting roles without added pressure.
As the Bears prepare for upcoming seasons, Bagent’s experience and readiness will be essential in case of injuries or unexpected absences, ensuring that the team remains competitive.
Caleb Williams‘ brief but positive reaction underscores the respect he and the team have for Bagent’s contributions, marking a hopeful outlook as the Bears build towards future success.