The Chicago Bears are opting to begin the 2026 season with three quarterbacks on the active roster in Caleb Williams, Case Keenum, and Tyson Bagent. It was a predictable decision when you look around the league and realize the likelihood that either Bagent or Keenum would be stolen if you attempted to bring either player back on the practice squad. For Bagent, much of this was fueled by a preseason finale where the signal caller finished 16/17 for 208 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, to go along with 21 rushing yards.
It was the type of performance that is going to continue to grab attention and stick around when teams are looking for a potential answer. No question, the Bears are heading into the regular season understanding that they have a clear trade chip in Bagent. If an injury were to come up or a team needs to find a bridge option, it is very plausible Chicago could gain a future pick for the quarterback.
Caleb Williams is clearly the future of the franchise and has been incredibly durable throughout his young career. Keenum offers you security in the upcoming season, and Bagent unquestionably has shown enough to wonder whether or not the quarterback could be developed into a starting option.
Looking around the league, it is easy to argue that the current backup is a better option than the Atlanta Falcons or Cleveland Browns currently roster. For Chicago, there is no doubt that if the opportunity arises, it should be taken advantage of.
Bears Heading Into 2026 Season with Undeniably Exciting Trade Chip in Tyson Bagent
The goal for the Bears is understanding you are unlikely to pay to keep Bagent long-term with the quarterback's ability. Add in the fact that you would love to see the young quarterback given a real chance to start and adding a pick in exchange for handing Bagent this chance is a clear decision to make if the right situation presents itself.
For Bagent, it had to feel incredibly satisfying to end the summer on this note and head into the year knowing you've done everything in your power to earn another starting opportunity. One that clearly isn't going to happen in Chicago due to the incredible stability and ceiling Williams provides.
It will be interesting to watch how GM Ryan Poles navigates the situation and whether or not there is a level of aggression ahead of this year's deadline. Bagent has certainly at least put his name in the conversation when an inevitable injury arises and a move has to be made.
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