The Chicago Bears will take the next big step towards the 2025 NFL campaign when they open their preseason slate against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The upcoming exhibition showdown is head coach Ben Johnson's first game behind the Bears' bench, meaning a lot of eyes will be on him even if it's "only" the preseason.
Although Johnson will be under the microscope Sunday afternoon, so will several Bears veterans and rookies. Not everyone is guaranteed a 53-man roster spot, highlighting the importance of having a strong preseason debut. After all, any mistakes can lead to a player going from being on track to make the roster to being cut in a flash.
With that in mind, this Chicago quarterback will likely be playing for his job this weekend.
Bears' Tyson Bagent Will Be Playing for QB2 Job vs. Dolphins
There's no doubt that Caleb Williams is the Bears' No. 1 quarterback of the present and future. The pecking order beyond him, though, is up for debate. Tyson Bagent was Williams' backup last season, and the former Shepherd QB will need a strong preseason showing to prove that he deserves the honor again over Austin Reed and free-agent signing Case Keenum.
Bagent is entering his third season with the Bears and has more experience with the team than Reed and Keenum; however, that doesn't mean his job is safe.
The fact is that Bagent's early NFL performances haven't made him untouchable, as he's completed 96-of-145 (66.2%) passes for only 870 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 71.9 passer rating. He's also struggled with turnovers, tossing out six interceptions while fumbling the ball three times.
Even though his play has left much to be desired, the good news is that Bagent has shown improvements during training camp. Earlier this week, HC Johnson told Bears Wire's Mike Pendleton that the third-year QB has been "phenomenal" and that his professionalism has been a standout trait.
"I think he has taken this seriously," Johnson said of Bagent. "He’s preparing the right way, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that he is here with us."
Hopefully, Bagent uses Johnson's praise as motivation to give it his all this weekend. Having a reliable backup QB is crucial for all 32 NFL teams, and the Bears will feel even more confident about their situation under center if Bagent can make a splash against the Dolphins.