Chicago Bears: Bagent Appears to secure the backup quarterback job

Ahead of the deadline to submit their final 53-man roster, the Chicago Bears appear ready to start the season with a rookie as backup quarterback.

The Chicago Bears continue to make headlines ahead of the start of the 2023 season. General manager Ryan Poles worked tirelessly to overhaul a roster that managed to win just three games in 2022.

Poles made a number of free-agent signings and trades to pick up not only veteran players but also draft picks. The roster in 2023 looks vastly different and improved from last season.

Now, after training camp and three preseason games, Poles and the Bears continue to make headlines.

Tuesday, August 28th, at 4 PM Eastern, the Bears have to cut the roster to the 53-man limit. There will be a number of difficult decisions, both in cuts and additions.

Poles made a shocking move on Sunday concerning the quarterback position.

The Bears carried four quarterbacks. With a new rule implemented that allows teams to carry three quarterbacks in games (the third quarterback can only enter in an emergency situation), most teams will utilize an extra quarterback.

Behind Fields, the Bears had Walker, Nathan Peterman, and rookie Tyson Bagent competing for two spots.

Walker appeared to have the QB2 spot secure. That is until training camp began and the preseason games were played. He struggled in both and that opened up an opportunity.

At the same time, Bagent played lights out, especially in the preseason games. He looked confident and made quick decisions. He did not seem overwhelmed by the situation.

For his part, Peterman was just blah. He did not do much to distinguish himself but he did not struggle the way Walker did. Bagent took advantage of that and made a big impression.

Bagent was a record-setting quarterback in Division II. He holds the record for most touchdown throws in any division in college football history with 159.

Bagent was the star in the Senior Bowl. He went 17-of-22 for 124 yards. He showed a strong arm and elusiveness.

It just so happened that Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was Bagent’s coach during the week and in the game. Getsy was so enamored with Bagent that he had the Bears sign him when he went undrafted.

Bagent went into a situation that was great for him. Despite being undrafted, he had a legitimate chance to make the team. This coaching staff showed that rookies who played well got an opportunity to be key players.

Last season, we saw linebacker Jack Sanborn go from undrafted rookie to a starter. He performed well in training camp and in the preseason games. He made the team and the coaches were so impressed with him that he became the starter after the team traded Roquan Smith.

Additionally, the team gave offensive tackle Braxton Jones. He was a fifth-round draft pick last season. He went from trying to adjust and find a spot on the roster to becoming the starter, playing every offensive snap that season.

Just as in the Senior Bowl, Bagent took full advantage of his opportunity. He made a big impression on the coaching staff and the then rewarded him.

On Sunday night, reports came out that the Bears cut Walker. It appears that Bagent will become the team’s backup.

It is hard to believe that the coaches go with Peterman as the backup. He has shown that he cannot step in and do a good job of leading an offense. In fact, the Bears likely look at cuts around the league and perhaps find another quarterback as the third option.

At any rate, let’s see if Bagent continues to advance and become a great backup for Fields.