Earlier in the offseason, there was a case to be made that it was time for the Chicago Bears to turn the page on quarterback Tyson Bagent. Caleb Williams isn't losing the starting role, and veteran Case Keenum has been brought in as a reliable backup. This left Bagent and undrafted free agent signing Austin Reed as the other QBs on the roster. It seemed an interesting competition for the final spot in the position. While Bagent had the advantage of reps, Reed was an unknown who could prove to offer unexpected upside.
The quarterback was a member of the Chicago practice squad last season before the team opted to move on. This wouldn't last long with Reed brought back on a futures contract early in the offseason. It set up an interesting competition for the emergency quarterback role, with the Bears looking to reset the room with the addition of Case Keenum. Bagent has shown limited upside, and if Reed was able to show any progress this offseason, it was time to turn the page.
Bears Will Likely Cut Austin Reed
However, Reed's uneven history and underwhelming offseason for the franchise set up another likely roster cut. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the organization follow the same path as last year, cutting the young quarterback only to bring him back as a member of the practice squad. Regardless, the offseason is making it increasingly clear that Reed has zero shot of making his way into the lineup.
Even if injury strikes, the position Keenum and Bagent have put themselves in better positions to take advantage of any opportunity. Reed should be cut during the preseason if there isn't impressive growth shown or a reason to believe it is a real competition with Bagent.
With the first two quarterback slots long locked into place, the final spot should be decided as well. Bagent is the correct decision, with Reed yet again being an eye-catching offseason addition whose tenure will end before making the roster. With new head coach Ben Johnson attempting to install a new culture and build a very specific offense, it is the correct decision to again turn the page on the offseason signing.