Over the past year or less, the Chicago Bears have made it crystal clear how much they value quarterback Tyson Bagent. First came training camp/preseason comments from head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles, then came a two-year contract extension.
As trade rumors circulated heavily around Bagent early this offseason, Johnson reinforced how he feels about the team's backup quarterback.
"I love Tyson. That's one that kind of pulls at your heartstrings a little bit, because he's someone that you care about so deeply. And he's a hell of a football player, that at some point, you wanna see have a chance to do it himself."
"We'll always do what’s best for our team and our organization. I do think there's a lot of merit to having a strong No. 2 quarterback, which, he certainly fits that bill. I’m of the mind that he's probably one of the best 32 in the NFL. His preseason tape over that last few years has (probably) confirmed that, in my opinion."
"But, if I took myself out of the equation, I want what's best for him. If he would like an opportunity to start, I certainly hope he can get that somewhere."
Once all the dust settled for quarterback situations around the league, Bagent, as expected, remained a Bear. A notable injury elsewhere between now and Week 1 could reignite trade speculation, but that is now mostly a potential topic for next offseason.
Projection of Tyson Bagent's trade value fortifies what everyone already knows
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has ranked the top clear-cut backup quarterbacks around the league based on a projection of their trade value. Bagent, of course, made the list, coming in at No. 8.
"Tyson Bagent's small sample size doesn't look as impressive as Tanner McKee's, but he may have a decent trade market."
"Bagent hasn't started in a game since his 2023 rookie campaign. That year, he threw for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions with a 65.7 percent completion rate. While his numbers aren't impressive, the Bears won a couple of games with him, and the athletic signal-caller showed the ability to improvise with his mobility."
"If teams continue to inquire about Bagent's availability, the Bears could move him for late-round draft capital. His trade value isn't going to increase behind ascending starting quarterback Caleb Williams."
As for Bagent's projected trade value, Moton put it at a 2027 sixth-round pick. It's very possible trade offers along that line came Poles' way in February and March, but perhaps a 2026 sixth-round pick instead.
If a report from Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports this offseason is true, a Day 3 draft pick will not come close to getting the Bears to trade Bagent. Time may alter that willingness, and barring another extension, Bagent will be entering a contract year in 2027, but the value placed on him at Halas Hall simply does not seem to align with what other teams are willing to give up in a trade.
Read more: Bears have been matched with a free agent who is probably nowhere on their radar
So we are still where we've always been regarding the idea that Bagent could be traded. Without improved offers or the Bears completely changing their internal perception of his value, it just isn't likely to happen anytime soon, if ever.
Add us as a preferred source on Google