The Chicago Bears have a backup quarterback who is ready to step in and be a starter, but isn't forcing the issue. Tyson Bagent isn't itching to be traded and find a new home. But Bagent is staying ready for a chance in case Caleb Williams ever lands on the Reserved/Injured List.
During an interview with ESPN Chicago on Wednesday, Bagent made it clear that he wants to be the Bears' starter, and he doesn't want to simply collect a check by checking boxes in the preseason and during training camp.
“I’m not sharpening my sword anticipating a career full of peacefulness and easy-going. Oh, you could just kill it in the summer and the preseason and then be the backup and everything will go good. I’m not anticipating that. I am anticipating to be thrown in there… There is no running from it at this point, it’s coming. That’s where my head is at. I want to be ready to go at any moment," Bagent said.
“The way to show respect to the organization is just be as ready as I can be. Which is just what’s going on right now.”
Good on Bagent for even mentioning showing respect for the organization that employs him. As a former Division II QB, Bagent doesn't seem intent on ever being complacent, even while on a multi-million dollar partially guaranteed contract.
As for staying ready? Well, an NFC backup QB just showed how stepping in and proving yourself could get you paid.
Tyson Bagent could follow Malik Willis's lead with the Packers last year
Malik Willis was ready for the call when Jordan Love was sidelined by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Bears defensive end Austin Booker. Willis was 27/32 passing, with 409 passing yards and no interceptions during his two starts. That got him a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason.
Bagent has two more seasons before hitting free agency, so his potential journey to a potential starting role and a bigger eight-figure payday would be drawn out longer. Ideally, Bagent is earning his money late in games, since it'd be better not to see Williams on the shelf at all.
Still, if the worst case hits Chicago's QB room, it's good to know that the Bears' QB2 understands his assignment.
Bagent clearly respects his role, and his standing within the organization. That can never be undersold, with injury catastrophes always looming in the NFL.
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