After just one NFL start, there is a section of Chicago Bears fans that's ready to crown Tyson Bagent the team's starting quarterback. Many liken him to the next Brock Purdy.
Bagent did win his first-ever start and the overreactions are coming in left and right, many of which sound ridiculous. But, you never know what's going to happen.
If the Bears wind up rolling with Bagent for the foreseeable future (and that's a big 'if') then these are some moves they could make in the coming year.
Note: one could also argue similar moves if Caleb Williams ends up being the future.
1. Trade Justin Fields next offseason
The first move, and most obvious one, is to trade Justin Fields. You are not going to keep a guy like Fields around to serve as a backup to an undrafted rookie. Look at the 49ers' situation with Purdy and Trey Lance, for example. Once the Niners committed to Purdy, they began shopping Lance -- it also made sense because they had their backup to Purdy as well.
Fields could also still net a solid return, unlike Lance. Some have proposed deals where Fields is able to land the Bears a second and third-round pick, which isn't too shabby. There might even be teams out there willing to part with a first rounder, too.
While this is unlikely to happen, especially because Fields is coming back within a handful of weeks, it would be the route to go should the Bears put their stock into Bagent going forward.
2. Fire Matt Eberflus, Luke Getsy
I think this is going to happen no matter what, by season's end. Unless the Bears make a miraculous turnaround and end up winning between 7-9 games overall, the organization is going to have a new coaching staff next year.
Ryan Poles is going to have to fire both head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. To this point, Eberflus has been a nice guy and easy to love. But, he has clearly been over his head as a coach. His principles sound great on the surface, but clearly they have not been implemented.
Luke Getsy, meanwhile, has been the biggest joke within Halas Hall for a solid year now. Fans are tired of seeing his supposed Shanahan-like scheme go to waste with poor play calling. He has not done enough to tailor the offense around Fields' strengths, and if fans think the same thing won't happen with Bagent, they're fooling themselves.
Bagent had zero NFL film for teams to work with. He looked good against a lousy Raiders team and having thrown mostly short passes, but once teams get a feel for his tendencies, it'll be on Getsy to set a better game plan, and I have no faith in him to be able to do that.
3. Extend Darnell Mooney
One of the best things you can do for a young quarterback, especially with very little experience, is keep the band together (so long as the band is worth keeping together). There is something to be said about chemistry and familiarity; continuity, if you will.
Bagent's top two receivers from his current team should stick around. Of course, D.J. Moore isn't going anywhere. He's under contract for a little while yet. But, Darnell Mooney's contract expires after the 2023 season, and it's unclear whether the Bears will choose to bring him back.
For Bagent's sake, Mooney should be extended. It isn't solely because of his relationship and familiarity with Bagent, but Mooney is a very good wide receiver. The Bears were going to have to choose between he and Chase Claypool, if either, and they've already made their choice on the latter.
Keeping Mooney around should be a priority, especially if the Bears can pair he and Moore with the guy we're going to talk about next.
4. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. at all cost
If the Bears end up holding a top-3 pick, their chances of landing Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. are very high. Caleb Williams is going number one, and Harrison very well could go second overall. Currently, the Bears hold that second overall pick.
Pairing Harrison with Moore and Mooney would create a lethal trio of wide receivers in Chicago. Harrison might just be the best overall player in the draft this coming spring, all things considered. He has a 6-foot-4 frame, being able to tower over opposing defensive backs, and doesn't really have a weakness in his game.
Harrison runs smooth routes, has a catch radius that has no bounds and possesses top-end speed and athleticism. He makes the difficult grabs look routine. Look no further than his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., if you need a comparison. The only difference? He very well could end up being better than his dad, and that's frightening.
If Bagent had Moore, Mooney and Harrison as his weaponry going into his second season, he'd hardly have any excuses but to succeed in just his second year in the league. From there, the Bears would just need to get the coaching staff right.
5. Draft Laiatu Latu with other first-round pick
If Bagent is their guy, then that gives them plenty of other options in the draft. They wouldn't have to worry about quarterback. So, imagine if Chicago drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. followed by the best pass rusher in the draft, Laiatu Latu out of UCLA.
The Bears' biggest weakness on defense over the last year or so has been up front across their defensive line. Their inability to rush the passer at a high level is something they have to address in a major way this next offseason.
As it stands, Yannick Ngakoue won't be around in 2024, or maybe that much longer at all if the Bears decide to trade him. Beyond Ngakoue, Chicago doesn't really have another starting-quality defensive end. This position is going to be overhauled.
Latu is an ultra-athletic, quick pass rusher who has an impressive first step. He explodes off the line and wins with his hands. He's a savvy, mature player and will be ready to roll from Day 1 in the NFL.
Overall, the Bears would have a ton of flexibility if they opted to go with Bagent. Now, again, that's a huge question mark. After one start against a poor opponent, this is a complete and total overreaction. But, wouldn't it be fun if the Bears found their Brock Purdy?