Ever since his first practice with the Chicago Bears, quarterback Tyson Bagent has been turning heads. From Day 1, his college résumé preceded him. People heard all about the countless snaps he took in college and all of the accolades he earned in Division II football.
But, beyond the college accolades, Bagent's personality and work ethic made him likable from the jump. His outgoing, goofy and infectious personality resonated with the locker room, coaches, fans and media right away. We could tell he was in this for the right reasons and that his dedication to the game was top-notch.
Fast forward to Year 2, with some NFL starts under his belt, and Bagent's story continues to progress in a positive manner. People outside of Halas Hall are starting to take notice. This is no longer just some, same-old underdog story. Bagent's growth from Year 1 to Year 2 is evident. He's sharp. He's locked-in. He's grown in many areas, and fans have gotten an inside look at the proof thanks to HBO's Hard Knocks, but also thanks to Bears beat writers constantly covering his journey.
Bagent's preseason performance was outstanding, and his growth was so impressive that it's got some national media wondering whether or not the Bears would entertain a trade involving Bagent. After all, he might just be able to start for another NFL team or two.
Raiders should offer a fourth for Tyson Bagent because why not https://t.co/fMAdXatS1k
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) August 19, 2024
A team like the Las Vegas Raiders would certainly benefit from trading for Bagent, as neither Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew look like the answer, although the latter did win the preseason quarterback "competition."
Of course, former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is now in Vegas and knows Bagent from last season. Having that relationship already established would bode well for Bagent in his chances to come in and eventually start, once getting up to speed.
Suggesting Bagent is already worth a fourth-round pick, though, should tell you everything you need to know about this guy, and the answer to the question we're trying to answer should be an emphatic, "NO."
No, the Bears should absolutely not trade Tyson Bagent
We are talking about the Chicago Bears, here, right? This is a team that's been dying for a quarterback room such as this. The 2024 quarterback room is arguably the strongest the Bears have ever had, and we're talking about a rookie paired with an undrafted free agent in his second season.
That's remarkable.
If we're thinking Bagent is already worth a mid-round pick, that tells you the Bears should keep him in-house. Bagent is especially important in Caleb Williams' development, for right now. He's been in Caleb's ear all offseason, offering wisdom and advice from the perspective of a quarterback who just went through his first season in 2023.
The two of them clearly have a relationship, too. Bagent obviously wants bigger and better things for himself, eventually, but for now, he's in Chicago and should stay in Chicago. We've been proven time and time again just how valuable a great backup quarterback is in this league, especially after last season.
Remember, there were a total of 68 quarterbacks that started a game in 2022 and 66 just last year. Backup quarterbacks are getting more love and respect than they ever have, and the Bears just so happen to have one of the best in the league.
If 2025 rolls around and the Bears are suddenly looking at teams potentially offering them a second or third-round pick in exchange for Bagent, then maybe they should pull the trigger. But, for now, he must remain in Chicago, no questions asked.