Preseason in 2025 is more important to the Chicago Bears than it has been in a long time with new head coach Ben Johnson taking over and the team needing to gain continuity together. It can also be critical to see if some players shine that they could end up being trade collateral in a deal.
Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton named six backup quarterbacks that if they have good preseasons could increase their trade values. Bears backup Tyson Bagent is one of those that would benefit from a solid outing in three preseason games.
"In the days before the Chicago Bears' first preseason game, head coach Ben Johnson praised Tyson Bagent for his work ethic and ability to process what he sees on the field.
Johnson may have taken a liking to Bagent, but that doesn't mean the third-year signal-caller is off limits in trade talks.
The Bears have a young starting quarterback in Caleb Williams, who has great upside. Bagent isn't going to surpass him on the depth chart. Chicago signed experienced veteran Case Keenum, who can give Williams some guidance. The club has also kept 25-year-old Austin Reed on the practice squad over the last two years.
Under a new regime, Bagent could be expendable if another team makes a strong offer for him. He can generate interest with a string of quality preseason performances."
Should the Bears even consider a trade with Bagent involved?
Bagent was an undrafted rookie who has been primarily a backup over the last two years. He has started four games, going 2-2 back in 2023. During his nine games he has appeared in, he has completed 66.2% of his passes for 870 yards and three touchdowns, with six interceptions.
While Bagent might be able to command potentially a third or fourth round pick with a trade, sending him off would be a risk. The Bears have Keenum who has had a nice career, but he is 37 years old and near the tail end of his career. Why get rid of a young quarterback to go with someone who might not be long to play?
The only other reason for the Bears to move on from Bagent is their trust in Reed, but he doesn't have the experience that Bagent or Keenum have. That would be an even bigger risk unless Reed has a stellar preseason.
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If the Bears get a great offer for Bagent, then it might be too hard to move on from it, but he's been a solid backup and is too valuable to move on from at this moment.