As several quarterback-needy teams prepare to go on the hunt in free agency, the Chicago Bears can rest easy, knowing that they have one of the NFL's best QB situations. Franchise signal-caller Caleb Williams took huge strides in his first year under head coach Ben Johnson last season, while Tyson Bagent is among the top backup arms in the game, earning him a $10 million extension last offseason.
Although the Bears are more than content with Bagent as their QB2, that hasn't stopped trade rumors from swirling as other teams hunt for their next starting quarterback. General manager Ryan Poles likely won't be in a rush to move on from the former Shepard Ram despite other teams calling him; however, the latest rumors surrounding the San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones could change his mind.
"With that talented roster and coach Kyle Shanahan, the Niners don’t want a season to go to waste if Purdy goes down again," The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported on Tuesday. "Since Jones was a major reason the Niners stayed afloat in 2025, they could rightfully be stubborn and hold out for a first-round offer."
49ers' Mac Jones Demands Could Entice Bears to Trade Tyson Bagent
A former 15th overall pick, Jones performed well in Purdy's absence last season. The Jacksonville, FL native completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns to six interceptions, and a 97.4 passer rating in 11 games (eight starts), proving to be a steal on the $2.5 million cap hit he carried, per Spotrac.
As good as Jones was, though, demanding a first-round pick for his services will likely be too rich for any potential suitors' taste. There's no guarantee that the 27-year-old QB will replicate that success in a new system, which is why those interested in a trade might call the Bears about Bagent instead.
With 53 fewer career starts than Jones, as well as a cap hit that's about $1.7 million more than the 49ers' passer next season, Bagent could be a lot more affordable for those looking for a new QB1. A combination of Day 3 picks would be a lot more appealing than giving up a first-rounder, which could yield an impact player at another position.
Multiple teams being interested in Bagent could then create a bidding war, which would benefit the Bears in the long run. Despite how much Poles & Co. might like Bagent, getting multiple draft picks and creating cap space ($4.25 million in savings could be created after June 1, per Spotrac) might be an offer that the 40-year-old GM can't refuse.
Bagent is a consummate professional who fits the Bears' QB2 role like a glove. Having said that, backup quarterbacks aren't irreplaceable, and if Chicago could find a diamond in the rough when it comes ot the former undrafted free agent, who's to say lightning can't strike twice in the Windy City?
While a trade isn't imminent, it's safe to say that the door is open for the Bears to move on from Bagent if the price is right. Teams, like the 49ers, overvaluing their own QBs could make a potential trade too enticing to ignore once we get into the thick of the offseason.