Should This Former Division Two Standout Be Looking to Start Somewhere Else?
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has earned himself a two-year, $10 million contract extension. This is the Bears’ first quarterback to receive a contract extension since Jay Cutler in January of 2014. For Bagent, this is life-changing money that most backups don’t receive, getting visibly emotional during his press conference on Wednesday afternoon. Now being tied with the team through 2027, it does beg the question of whether Bagent would be a starter somewhere else in the NFL.
Bagent would be the starter of a Division II college for multiple years, making his way to the NFL and becoming one of the league's best backup quarterbacks. After another impressive preseason so far, Bagent has quickly turned heads in his direction. A team that could’ve sorely used a player like him and could potentially have him starting right now is the New Orleans Saints. With the Saints unsure of how talented both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough could be going forward, having a proven quarterback who has been in real game situations would be of huge benefit. Bagent would start for five games in 2023 for an injured Justin Fields, where he would throw for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and complete 65% of his passes. While nothing spectacular, being thrown into the starting spot in his first year in the NFL was an impressive feat that Bears fans became very appreciative of. Not only are the Saints a team that could’ve missed out on Bagent, but also the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts would name Daniel Jones their starting quarterback going forward just a few days ago. This would come after a quarterback battle all offseason between Jones and Anthony Richardson. While Jones has had plenty of starting experience, Bagent may have been the better option to lead the team. Jones has shown the same struggles in six seasons with the Giants, making Bagent the younger and safer option. Bagent is only entering his third year, already having shown promise to be a potentially great quarterback under the right coaching tree. Despite more than likely having to remain the backup for the next three years in Chicago, Bagent has certainly earned his extension and will be a name to keep an eye on in the NFL as he continues his young career.
