The Chicago Bears may have one of their most talented quarterback rooms in franchise history. In Sunday night's preseason game, Caleb Williams showed why he was the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, looking crisp and getting the ball out on time. Though it was against backups, it was important to see that, as he has been having slight issues being on time during training camp.
Beyond Williams, Chicago has had a QB2 battle between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum raging throughout training camp and the preseason. While Keenum had the leg up after preseason week 1, his absence from Sunday's game with a leg injury may have just sealed his fate.
I think people often forget Case Keenum was the QB behind the Minnesota miracle pic.twitter.com/1YbUEGDmgr
— the coach (@The_goat_coach) August 13, 2025
Tyson Bagent Ends QB2 Battle With Preseason Week 2 Performance
As training camp has progressed, Keenum and Bagent have continuously swapped reps at QB2 and QB3. In the Bears' first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, Bagent started since Williams and the starters didn't play. Bagent went 9/13 for 103 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Dolphins.
Although the interception wasn't completely on Bagent, it was still a knock on his performance. Keenum, on the other hand, went 8/10 for 80 yards and two touchdowns. One of his touchdown passes was a magnificent fade route to Jahdae Walker.
Keenum's performance against Miami shouldn't have surprised anybody, given he was going up against third-stringers. Be that as it may, he still had a better day than Bagent, presumably putting him ahead in the competition.
However, after Bagent's performance on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, it's safe to say his job is safe. The third-year quarterback went 13/22 for 196 yards and one touchdown. Even though he only completed 59% of his passes, every pass he did complete looked crisp, and he had full command of the offense.
Bagent's best play comes on an incomplete pass. On this play, he evaded pressure and made a tough but perfect throw to Maurice Alexander. While the pass was ruled a catch on the field upon further review, it was ruled incomplete.
Tyson Bagent worked his ass off for this little completion… kid has surprisingly good awareness, one of the best backup Quarterbacks in the NFL hands down
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) August 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/TjynBW2HTL
Even so, seeing him make that play was exciting. Moreover, Bagent runs every play, including fake handoffs, with the highest intensity. This will only help the defense bite on the fake more and set the offense up for success.
Given Keenum was out with a leg injury, Bagent's performance on Sunday likely locks the veteran in at QB3. This is because there is no way Chicago would be able to retain Bagent on the practice squad, as other teams would immediately try to sign him if he became a free agent.