NFL free agency is in full swing, and with it, significant trades are being made. The Philadelphia Eagles' acquisition of Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers should be viewed through that lens in the Windy City. The Chicago Bears have a backup quarterback that may be easier to trade now that the opening salvo has been fired on the QB market.
Tyson Bagent trade rumors are certainly not new this offseason, with his name having previously come up following Chicago's Case Keenum re-signing last week. Now, though, it feels like a stronger possibility, since there's one less option without Dalton available.
Why else bring back a 38-year-old Keenum to be a QB3? Ryan Poles hasn't been perfect, but it's hard to believe he's about to bungle the QB position by investing almost $11 million in backups.
Bears Should Strongly Consider Trading Tyson Bagent Before NFL Draft
Of course, the Bears need to capitalize on their window to maximize Bagent's value. It'd be nothing short of a loss to land just a seventh-round draft choice for Bagent like the Panthers just got for Dalton. Chicago can, and must, get more for Bagent, who's significantly younger and with greater upside, and only costs $475,000 more than Dalton. And they must do it by the NFL draft. Throughout seven rounds and a robust undrafted free agent pool, there are younger talents with even more upside than Bagent, in theory.
What Chicago can sell prospective trade partners on is actual production in the pros. Bagent's efficiency reflects a Division II run with the Shepherd Rams, in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, translating to the highest level of play: 26-of-41 pass attempts for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the 2025 preseason and a 65.7 percent completion rate, on 94-of-143 passing, during his rookie season in 2023. That was the last real shot Bagent got, starting four games and appearing in five.
It'll be easier to find that trade partner sooner rather than later. Especially given that there is still competition on the open market. Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Tyrod Taylor are all still available and bring a lot more proven professional success than Bagent. Chicago could point to how those guys are still unsigned and use it against them in trade talks, though.
Will it work? Well, Poles ought to find out after investing similar money into Keenum. It's fine that he made that free agent choice, as long as there was always a plan with Bagent's deal.