Ben Johnson All But Confirms Growing Rumor On Bears QB Situation

Coming to the Chicago Bears was an easy decision for Ben Johnson. Not only did he get the chance to take over a city that he'd grown to love in recent years, but he'd work with one of the most talented quarterback prospects in recent memory. Caleb Williams was a big reason why he took the head coaching job. However, the NFL teaches an important lesson people often forget. Starting every game in today's era for quarterbacks is rare. There are usually one or two weeks where the team will need the backup to step in and keep the train on the tracks.

Johnson had a plan for that when he arrived. He wanted to bring in a veteran with credibility as a great teammate and mentor for younger guys. The Bears signed Case Keenum, widely considered one of the best locker room guys in the league. His work with other young guys like Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud, and Baker Mayfield was lauded. However, things have shifted over the past few weeks. Johnson seems to have a growing infatuation with Tyson Bagent, as evidenced by his recent comments.

"Man, he's been phenomenal. I mean, he's smart as a whip. Appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a room. Meeting room, walk-through, it doesn't matter. He's locked in. He's focused. I think his teammates feel that from him. Love the fact, you know, he'll throw the ball and he keeps working through his progressions, just so it goes home with exactly where everyone's going to be in case he had to move on. I think he's taken this seriously. He's preparing the right way. And I couldn't be more thrilled that he's here with us."

Ben Johnson can't ignore reality.

Many accounts have said Bagent is having an excellent camp. He looks calm, composed, and sharp. While Keenum hasn't looked bad, the reality is that one can't ignore what is happening. If this is a battle, and it most definitely is, then Bagent has the decisive edge. Maybe things shift during the preseason. Then again, history says not to bet on it. Bagent was good in each of the past two. Ben Johnson loves players like him. His work with Jared Goff proves it. Hell, if the third-year quarterback had the same level of talent, he might be pushing for Williams' job. All things considered, it feels like Bagent is ready to beat the odds again by maintaining his grip on the backup job. Getting the thumbs up from someone like Johnson only reinforces the amazing job Chicago did scouting him.