Chicago Bears Extend Backup QB Tyson Bagent with $10M Contract

Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who was undrafted in 2023 after a record-setting career at Division II Shepherd University, signed a two-year contract extension worth $10 million with potential incentives raising it to $16 million. Bagent, serving as the backup to No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams, emotionally expressed gratitude at the press conference, highlighting the financial impact on his family and his father’s struggles growing up without running water until high school. Despite limited playing time, Bagent impressed coaches by stepping in during Justin Fields’ injury in 2023 and leading the Bears to a 2-2 record in four starts, completing 66% of his passes for 859 yards. The Bears have not extended a current quarterback's contract in over a decade, the last being Jay Cutler in 2014, underscoring their confidence in Bagent as a reliable backup. Head coach Ben Johnson praised Bagent's approach and preparedness, contributing to what he called one of the best quarterback rooms in the NFL. Bagent’s journey from undrafted free agent to a well-compensated NFL backup highlights his perseverance and value to the Bears as they build around Williams.