Emotional Tyson Bagent Revealed Why He Chose To Stay With Bears

GM Ryan Poles had one last goal before the season began. He wanted to extend backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. It had become clear the former undrafted free agent was a favorite of new head coach Ben Johnson. The Chicago Bears already knew Bagent was capable in a reserve role, and he's only shown improvement since. Keeping him in-house would give the team some much-needed stability. The problem in many people's eyes was the belief that Bagent had no incentive to sign such a deal.

He has plenty of admirers around the league, stemming from his surprise showing as a rookie in 2023 and his strong preseasons each of the past two years. There was even a buzz of a possible trade market developing for him. Bagent had to think he had a chance to start somewhere, right? The short answer is yes. He told the media as much when he met with them on Wednesday.

Then why accept the two-year extension?

An emotional Bagent explained his reasoning as primarily two-fold. First, he loves Chicago. His time in the city and with the organization has created deep affection. The other part is more pragmatic. He wants the chance to work with Johnson and this offensive coaching staff.

Tyson Bagent continues to prove he is a smart young man.

Many in his position would jump at the chance to compete for a starting job as soon as possible. They want to play—it's only natural. However, there is a significant danger in rushing such a decision. Several of those quarterbacks go in unprepared. Even if they win the job, they never perform at a high enough level to succeed. Conversely, some chose to stay patient. They learned under a competent coaching staff and seized the opportunity when they felt ready.

There are some prominent examples of this. Matt Cassel signed in New England to learn under Bill Belichick. He parlayed that into a starting job with Kansas City, where he made a Pro Bowl. After two years in St. Louis, Ryan Fitzpatrick chose to sign with Cincinnati, believing their capable staff could help him. Two years later, he signed in Buffalo, where he'd end up starting for four years. That is a path Tyson Bagent believes he can take, and Johnson is the one to show him the way.