Who Gets the Keys? The 2026 Bears Face a Crucial QB Decision in Week Four
The first few weeks of the 2026 season have been weird for the Chicago Bears. The offense exploded in Week One but then got shut down in Week Two. In Week Three, they overcame the odds of beating the Eagles on Monday Night Football. The biggest storyline has been around quarterback Caleb Williams, who may miss a few more weeks with a hamstring injury. Tyson Bagent was dealing with a concussion, so Case Keenum stepped up and looked impressive against the Eagles. Ben Johnson has made it clear the team values Bagent and his talent. Now, all eyes turn to Week Four, where one question hangs over the fanbase: who gives them the best chance to take down the Jets?
The Case for Keenum
Keenum may have provided one of the most shocking quarterback performances in 2026. He completed 24 of 34 passes. The 38-year-old quarterback passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for another score. Chicago did not use many deep passes, but Keenum played in his own style. He quickly read defenses and got the ball out immediately. The Eagles struggled to keep up, giving the Bears whatever they wanted.
Moving on from a game like that is never easy, but Chicago needs to look at the overall value. The veteran proved to be able to offer quality play, but the team's upside is limited. He does not move as well as Williams or even Bagent. It would not be surprising to see him get another start, but the 2017 NFC Championship quarterback needs to prove it in practice. The 38-year-old stepped up in Week Three, and only time will tell if he gets another chance.
The Case for Bagent
Bagent has proven to be able to provide solid play. He cannot replace Williams, but he's far from the worst option. During the offseason, he became a popular trade option. The Bears were heading for a major roster shakeup, and the backup quarterback looked like he could be on the move. Chicago may not have been aggressively shopping Bagent, but many fans thought he could be traded to a team looking for quarterback competition. The Bears decided to keep the 26-year-old quarterback as they liked what he offered.
He was supposed to get the start in Week Three, but a concussion affected his preparation. Keenum worked with the starters the entire time. Bagent barely practiced during the week. He was cleared to play on Monday, but Chicago went with Keenum. Clearly, that worked out for the Bears. However, the former Division II star has a clear advantage: his upside.
The Bears' 26-year-old quarterback brings plenty of experience. He has been with the team for four years now, under multiple coaches. Bagent has practiced in Johnson's offensive system since last season. This familiarity helps ensure the offense has chemistry without their star quarterback. One major difference is that he is more of a traditional pocket passer. Chicago can still use his mobility, but he is more comfortable in the pocket. The former Harlon Hill Trophy winner can process quickly, which should help with making quick passes. The combination of working quickly and being able to run gives the Bears offense a higher ceiling than Keenum offers.
Final Analysis
Both field generals have fair arguments for starting at quarterback in Week Four. Keenum led Chicago to an upset win, showing that he may have enough in the tank to fill in. Bagent came into 2026 as the backup and looks to reclaim his role. Both can react quickly to defenses. However, the fourth-year quarterback offers more upside due to his mobility. This upside, combined with Johnson's praise, is a good sign for his chances of starting against the Jets. It will be a crucial storyline to follow this week, but Bears fans may want to get ready to see Bagent start at quarterback against the Jets.
