Key Chicago Bears Roster Battle Is Not Going As Expected

The Chicago Bears know Caleb Williams is their starting quarterback. That won't change after training camp or the preseason, even if he played poorly, which he hasn't. That left the only uncertainty with the backup job. Most fans and media assumed the heavy favorite for that spot was Case Keenum. The Bears signed the longtime veteran in free agency, aiming to give Williams a much-needed mentor who could educate him on the intricacies of playing in the NFL. Teams have often done it for young quarterbacks when they get drafted.

Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Tyson Bagent this. The former undrafted free agent has served as the Bears' unquestioned backup for the past two years. He'd earned that right through strong camps and standout preseason performances. He even went 2-2 as a starter during his rookie season. The kid belongs in the NFL. It was merely that the presence of Keenum made it hard to see him keeping the job. Based on the recent string of practices, counting him out might've been a mistake.

The Chicago Bears face a much tougher decision than anticipated.

If Bagent keeps this up, there is a legitimate possibility he wins the #2 job outright yet again. That leaves teh Chicago Bears brass with a tough decision. Either they decide to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, ensuring Keenum sticks around to help Williams. Or they bite the bullet and release the veteran to secure the extra roster spot for use elsewhere. It is highly unlikely the Bears could sneak Bagent onto the practice squad. He has too many admirers around the league. Someone is almost certain to give him a roster spot. That means the Bears have a tough decision ahead of them. Bagent seems to have a growing reputation for complicating their plans. That is what makes him so fun to cheer for.