After talking veteran quarterback Case Keenum out of retirement, it appears the Chicago Bears are poised to push the signal caller to soon call it a career. Wednesday brought surprise extension news with Tyson Bagent signing a two-year deal that can be worth $16-million with incentives, but is worth $10 million as currently constructed. With this in mind, it is clear the Bears are building for next season or perhaps even the 2025 season without having Keenum on the roster.
Many expect Chicago to carry three quarterbacks, but it wouldn't be a shock to see Keenum call it a career or shift into a coaching role. The value of the veteran comes in his experience and being able to help Williams on the sideline. Bagent is obviously viewed in a more favorable light as a backup beyond this season. This is evidenced by the fact that the team was willing to pay Bagent backup money while the Chicago signal-caller is the assumed third option.
It could simply be a signing that prepares for next season, with Keenum expected to walk away then. However, it cannot be ruled out that the quarterback is going to walk away sooner than expected and choose to work in a coaching or consulting role. Regardless, this signing does help give the future a clear direction.
The #Bears are signing QB Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million contract extension worth up to $16M with incentives, his reps at Milk and Honey Sports and Key Player Management tell The Insiders.@CHGO_Bears first reported the deal, which ties Bagent to Chicago through 2027. pic.twitter.com/rL2XgKK2qF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 20, 2025
Bears Surprise Signing Gives Clear Direction for Case Keenum's Future
The Chicago Bears were the first to report the signing of Bagent, with Mike Garafolo following this up with a more detailed report. The respected insider reported it was a two-year deal that is worth $10 million but laden with incentives. This does come as a bit of a surprise for a quarterback who isn't expected to take the field in the 2025 season.
For Keenum, this is noteworthy as it suggests the Bears know something fans do not. Whether this is a future retirement or simply wanting the stability of having Bagent locked up is debatable. No matter the true answer, this is a great move for the franchise. It is a relatively cheap signing that gives Ben Johnson a great project quarterback to work with as Caleb Williams continues to establish himself.
It answers future concerns at the position, giving the franchise the ability to keep its quarterback room together in what are formative seasons for Williams. No question, the move is both a win and an indication of perhaps an uncertain future for Keenum.