Bears Weigh Trade Options for Backup QB Tyson Bagent

Head coach Ben Johnson gets emotional discussing potential departure of valued QB2

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the team has received trade inquiries for backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, saying it "pulls at your heartstrings" to potentially lose the player he cares about "so deeply." The Bears are not actively shopping Bagent, but with starter Justin Williams entrenched and Bagent's desire for a chance to start, a trade could benefit both the team and player.

Why it matters

The Bears face a difficult decision on Bagent's future, balancing his value as an experienced and capable backup against his aspirations to be a starting QB elsewhere. A trade could provide Bagent that opportunity while also giving the Bears financial flexibility and draft capital, but they must weigh the risks of losing their QB2.

The details

Bears GM Ryan Poles confirmed the team has received "a few calls" about Bagent, who has impressed in preseason action the last few years. Head coach Ben Johnson praised Bagent's abilities, saying he believes the QB is "probably one of the best 32" in the NFL. However, with starter Justin Williams entrenched, a trade could allow Bagent to compete for a starting job elsewhere.

  • On February 24, Bears GM Ryan Poles acknowledged trade interest in Bagent at the NFL Combine.
  • On February 25, Bears head coach Ben Johnson discussed the emotional aspect of potentially trading Bagent.

The players

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who expressed his affection for backup QB Tyson Bagent and the difficulty of potentially trading him.

Tyson Bagent

The Bears' backup quarterback, who has impressed in preseason action and could draw trade interest from other teams seeking a starting QB opportunity.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who confirmed the team has received trade inquiries about Bagent.

Justin Williams

The Bears' starting quarterback, whose firm hold on the job has reduced Bagent's playing time opportunities in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“I love Tyson, and that's one that kind of pulls at your heartstrings a little bit because he is someone you care about so deeply, and he's a helluva football player that, at some point, you want to see him have a chance to do it himself.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears (heavy.com)

“We'll always do what's best for our team and our organization. I do think there is a lot of merit to having a strong No. 2 quarterback, which he certainly fits that bill. I'm of the mind that he is probably one of the best 32 [quarterbacks] in the NFL.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears (heavy.com)

What’s next

The Bears will continue to evaluate trade offers for Bagent, weighing the potential benefits of a deal against the value he provides as an experienced backup quarterback.

The takeaway

The Bears face a difficult decision on Tyson Bagent's future, as they must balance his talents and the team's needs against his desire for a starting opportunity elsewhere. A trade could benefit both Bagent and the Bears, but the team must carefully consider the risks of losing their QB2.