The Chicago Bears have found new stability at the quarterback position with Caleb Williams promising a brighter future, and veteran Case Keenum has been brought in to stabilize the backup position. It appears Tyson Bagent will win the emergency quarterback role, with Austin Reed a likely practice squad addition.
This is a welcome change for a team that has rarely been afforded this level of stability. One example of this is former depth option Tim Boyle, who spent the last half of the 2022 season with the Bears, appearing in the season's final game.
Since that time, Boyle has bounced around the league with the Jets, Texans, Dolphins, and Giants, all giving the veteran backup a look. The latest landing spot is with the Titans, who signed the veteran backup early in the offseason. It was a long shot for the former Bear to earn a meaningful role with Cam Ward and Will Levis the obvious starting and backup options.
However, it was revealed that Levis is undergoing season-ending surgery, leaving Cam Ward as the expected starter. This elevates Boyle with Brandon Allen and the former Chicago veteran competing for the backup role behind the exciting rookie.
Former Bears Quarterback Tim Boyle Elevated in the Depth Chart
Titans QB Will Levis will be undergoing season-ending surgery on the right shoulder injury he sustained early last year before further aggravating it later in the season. Levis has been unable to shake the discomfort and his shoulder still is bothering him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2025
Levis is, in the… pic.twitter.com/FPV8g5GhUi
Boyle will now make the final roster if the Titans don't opt to bring in additional depth. Levis being lost for the season clears the way for both Allen and Boyle to make the roster. The only question will be which veteran earns the backup role and who will serve as the emergency option. In truth, it doesn't matter with both quarterbacks having extremely limited upside if injury strikes.
The former Bear, having such a long career with limited upside, deserves credit. No team wants to see Boyle in the starting lineup, and yet the veteran continues to find opportunities despite the frustrating results when put into the lineup.
Boyle's promotion serves as a reminder of how much the Bears have improved at the position. It isn't just Williams who has given fans a reason for excitement, but improved backups and offensive stability that the franchise has lacked for far too long.