Chicago Bears Insider Pinpoints A Possible Training Camp Surprise

The Chicago Bears have plenty of roster battles unfolding as training camp approaches next month. Running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, and cornerback all have interesting showdowns looming. Head coach Matt Eberflus will sort through them in practices and preseason games. Since last season, he's made it clear that there is no favoritism this time of year. Everybody has a clean slate. If you show out enough, this coaching staff will give you opportunities to rise up the ranks.

One position that isn't getting much attention is quarterback. That isn't a surprise. Justin Fields is the unquestioned starter and has earned that right for the past several months. P.J. Walker was signed in free agency as the new backup. He, too, has looked solid in early practices. Nobody has paid much attention to the position as a result. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune indicated there might be some movement there in the coming weeks if rookie Tyson Bagent continues to showcase his talents.

"The No. 4 quarterback doesn’t get many reps in the offseason program and he’s not going to get a lot in training camp. You don’t hear a lot about an undrafted rookie quarterback from Division II.

I will say this: Bagent doesn’t look out of place when he throws the ball. Sometimes you see camp arms or quarterbacks in the spring and they clearly can’t deliver the ball. Bagent looks the part. We’ll see how much action he gets in the summer and preseason. Bagent is going to have to prove he can improve while relying on mostly mental reps. It’s a difficult spot to be in but it’s what quarterbacks at the bottom of the depth chart deal with."

The Chicago Bears should explore Bagent.

An undrafted free agent out of Shepherd, he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in Division II history. That earned him a trip to the Senior Bowl, where he apparently made a positive impression on Luke Getsy, who was one of the head coaches at the event. He has good size and a strong arm. The Bears already know what they have in third-stringer Nate Peterman. He's a veteran that has been around a long time. It isn't any secret he's not much good. Peterman has looked rough in almost every appearance he has made.

If the Chicago Bears are going to stash a quarterback on the practice squad as expected, they might as well go with somebody that has more upside. Bagent would be that guy. The lack of experience is an obvious concern, but if you're looking for the third guy to play significant snaps, your season is already off the rails. Bagent is far more to offer at this point in his career. Getting him some actual playing time in an NFL game could prove highly beneficial in the long term.