The Chicago Bears shook up their quarterback room in the 2025 offseason with new head coach Ben Johnson bringing in a needed veteran. Case Keenum was talked out of retirement by the head coach to give the Bears this needed option. After an uneven season from the position, there isn't any debating that the franchise has upgraded, bringing in Keenum behind Caleb Williams. Chicago has their first two quarterbacks locked into place, with the only question mark being the third emergency role.
Tyson Bagent and Austin Reed will compete for Chicago's final roster spot at the position. It is a competition that has already been won with Bagent's time as a starter, simply offering an unfair advantage. For a prospect with as few accolades as Reed, it isn't going to be a fair fight. It seems likely that Reed is simply being kept around as injury insurance and could be a roster cut at some point during the summer.
The Bears Quarterback Depth Chart is Locked Into Place
Bagent may not be an impressive option, however, the quarterback has spent time in a starting role within Chicago's system. Barring Reed putting together a shocking performance in OTAs or minicamp, it was always going to end in a predictable manner. This leaves the quarterback depth chart locked in, barring Bagent imploding or Reed putting together an incredible summer run.
For Chicago, this lack of competition signals a much-needed stability at the position. This was a part of Johnson's plan when first taking over the franchise. Stabilizing the position without posing any threat to Williams. It is a savvy move that Bears fans have quickly come to expect from the new head coach.
All of this adds up to Reed being cut at some point in the near future. Even keeping the quarterback to take preseason snaps doesn't make sense with Keenum and Bagent needing the reps as they prepare to sit on the bench. Give Chicago credit for attempting to find surprise value in the young quarterback; however, there simply isn't a roster spot available for a team that looks poised to turn the corner at the position.