Bears Re-Sign QB Case Keenum, Paving Way for Tyson Bagent Trade

The move strengthens Chicago's QB depth and could facilitate a deal involving backup Tyson Bagent.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have re-signed veteran quarterback Case Keenum to a two-year, $5.5 million contract with a max value of $8 million. This move solidifies the team's depth behind starting QB Caleb Williams and could potentially open the door for a trade involving backup Tyson Bagent, who has generated interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league.

Why it matters

The Bears' decision to bring back Keenum provides them with a trusted veteran presence behind Williams, giving the team more flexibility to explore trade options for Bagent, a young QB who has shown promise in his development over the past two seasons.

The details

The Bears' leadership, led by GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson, have acknowledged the unique situation surrounding Bagent, who has drawn legitimate interest from teams searching for affordable quarterback options with upside. Reports have indicated Chicago would require significant draft compensation, potentially Day-2 capital, to consider moving Bagent. With Keenum now re-signed, the Bears have added security that could prove critical in the coming weeks as they evaluate offers for Bagent.

  • The Bears re-signed Case Keenum on March 10, 2026, as NFL free agency opened.

The players

Case Keenum

A veteran quarterback who has re-signed with the Chicago Bears on a two-year, $5.5 million contract with a max value of $8 million.

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' starting quarterback, who had an encouraging 11-6 season in 2025 that pushed the team into the postseason.

Tyson Bagent

The Chicago Bears' backup quarterback, who has generated interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league due to his development over the past two seasons.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“Source: veteran QB Case Keenum is re-signing with the Chicago Bears on a 2-year, $5.5 million deal with a max value of $8 million.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Bears will now evaluate trade offers for backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who has generated interest from several quarterback-needy teams around the league.

The takeaway

The Bears' decision to re-sign veteran QB Case Keenum provides them with added depth and flexibility as they explore potential trade options for backup Tyson Bagent, who has shown promise in his development and could fetch significant draft capital in a deal.