How Ryan Poles Just Fanned The Tyson Bagent Trade Flames
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Arizona Cardinals had interest in Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent as a possible option to replace their starting quarterback in 2026. The market for QBs this offseason isn’t good. Both free agency and the draft are low on favorable choices. In such times, teams decide to take calculated risks on young backups who have flashed upside. Bagent is one such option. Apparently, Arizona isn’t the only team having that same thought.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with the media at the scouting combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday. He was asked about the Bagent situation. To the surprise of many, he admitted that the team has fielded multiple calls on the young quarterback. Rather than outright saying the team isn’t trading him, he admitted it’s a tricky issue. The Bears must weigh the short and long-term consequences of such a move. For one, head coach Ben Johnson loves Bagent, and the team would have to seek a replacement if he is traded.
On the other hand, getting draft capital back for a player you signed as an undrafted free agent would be a big win for the Bears. Caleb Williams is entrenched as the starter. It makes logistical sense.
Trading Tyson Bagent will come down to price.
If teams are offering 7th, 6th, or even 5th round picks, it doesn’t seem likely the Bears would consider the offer. Losing a quality backup quarterback for selections with such low hit rates is never advisable. However, if you start getting into the 2nd-4th round territory, then it becomes a conversation. Since 2000, there have been seven trades involving a backup quarterback who went to another team and became the starter. Six of the seven involved at least one 2nd round pick.
In other words, if another team wants him, they’ll have to show they’re serious.
Poles knows he has leverage. The veteran market is bleak. Currently, teams have options such as Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones (injured), Joe Flacco, and Malik Willis. Expectations are that Arizona will trade Kyler Murray. Not great. Then you look at the draft. Outside of Francisco Mendoza going #1 overall to Las Vegas, there is no certainty that another quarterback is good enough to crack the 1st round. Tyson Bagent has started actual games in the NFL, going 2-2 as a rookie in 2023. He’s looked excellent in each of the past two preseasons. It might be an intriguing dice roll.
| Player | Year | Traded From | Traded To | Compensation Given |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Hasselbeck | 2001 | Green Bay Packers | Seattle Seahawks | Swap of 1st-round picks (Packers moved from #17 to #10) + 3rd-round pick |
| Mark Brunell | 2004 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Washington Redskins | 3rd-round pick (#73 overall) |
| A.J. Feeley | 2004 | Philadelphia Eagles | Miami Dolphins | 2nd-round pick in 2005 (#35 overall) |
| Matt Schaub | 2007 | Atlanta Falcons | Houston Texans | Two 2nd-round picks + swap of 1st-round picks (#8 for #10) |
| Matt Cassel | 2009 | New England Patriots | Kansas City Chiefs | 2nd-round pick (#34 overall) |
| Kevin Kolb | 2011 | Philadelphia Eagles | Arizona Cardinals | 2nd-round pick + CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | 2017 | New England Patriots | San Francisco 49ers | 2nd-round pick in 2018 |
This decision likely comes down to Coach Johnson.
He was a driving force behind extending Tyson Bagent last year, having developed a deep fondness for the backup. The Bears coach isn’t likely to unload him for a modest draft pick. It will take a considerable offer. We will find out how high the opinions are of Bagent in the next few weeks. If a trade does happen, it will likely be before the start of the new league year on March 11th. Either that, or a team could make a late play after the draft if they’re unable to land somebody they want.
Poles has no reason to rush a decision. He’s the one holding all the cards. Bagent is under contract for two more seasons. The Bears know they can keep him at a perfectly modest price. This is a situation where they’re not eager to unload the player and don’t have to. Other teams must show they’re serious. They won’t be able to lowball the Bears because the player wants out or costs too much to keep.