Bears Weighing Options for Backup QB Tyson Bagent Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Chicago Bears could trade young QB Tyson Bagent during upcoming draft if they receive a strong offer.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:24pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the Chicago Bears. The abstract, cubist style captures the complexity of the team's backup QB dilemma.The Bears' complex quarterback situation is deconstructed into a cubist illustration, reflecting the team's difficult decision on the future of backup Tyson Bagent.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears are considering trading backup quarterback Tyson Bagent ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with reports indicating the team would want a second-round pick in return. Bagent, an undrafted free agent, has drawn interest from other teams this offseason, but the Bears have also re-signed veteran Case Keenum, creating a potential logjam at the position.

Why it matters

The Bears' decision on Bagent's future could have major implications for their quarterback depth chart and Super Bowl aspirations next season. If they trade Bagent for the right price, it could provide valuable draft capital, but it also risks downgrading their backup QB situation if Keenum doesn't prove to be a reliable option.

The details

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has acknowledged receiving trade inquiries about Bagent this offseason, with the team reportedly seeking a second-round pick in return. However, head coach Ben Johnson has expressed confidence in Bagent's abilities, calling him a 'top-32 quarterback in the NFL.' The Bears' decision to re-sign Keenum to a two-year, $5.5 million contract has raised questions about their plans for Bagent, who may be the better of the two backups but could be traded if the price is right.

  • In February, Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he believes Bagent is a top-32 quarterback in the NFL.
  • In March, the Bears re-signed quarterback Case Keenum to a two-year, $5.5 million contract.
  • In April, the 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place, where the Bears could potentially trade Bagent.

The players

Tyson Bagent

The Bears' backup quarterback, who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach, who has expressed confidence in Bagent's abilities as a top-32 quarterback in the NFL.

Ryan Poles

The Bears' general manager, who has acknowledged receiving trade inquiries about Bagent.

Case Keenum

The veteran quarterback the Bears re-signed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We've gotten a few calls there. Obviously the tough thing is what Ben [Johnson] thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson.”

— Ryan Poles, Bears General Manager

“Bagent, the Bears' backup quarterback, was the subject of trade rumors during the NFL combine in February, during which Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he believes Bagent is a top-32 quarterback in the NFL.”

— Jack McKessy, USA TODAY Writer

“The Bears have clearly made it known that if you're going to call on him, they love him. Which is telling you the price isn't going to be real low. I would think it would have to be a 2nd-round pick.”

— Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune Writer

What’s next

The Bears will likely wait until training camp to see how the backup quarterback competition shakes out between Bagent and Keenum before making a final decision on Bagent's future.

The takeaway

The Bears' handling of their backup QB situation is a delicate balancing act, as they must weigh Bagent's potential upside against the veteran stability Keenum provides. A strong offer during the draft could convince the team to part with Bagent, but they must also consider the risk of downgrading their QB depth chart ahead of a season with Super Bowl aspirations.