Why Tyson Bagent May Be the Best Backup QB in the NFL
When Tyson Bagent was thrust into action during his rookie season in 2023, it wasn’t by design. Justin Fields’ injury opened the door for the undrafted quarterback from Shepherd University to make four starts and win three of them. But here’s the twist that might just save his career: Bagent never had to carry the full weight of being Chicago’s franchise quarterback during one of the most chaotic coaching situations in recent Bears memory.
While rookie sensation Caleb Williams enters 2025 with enormous expectations and the pressure that comes with being the #1 overall pick, Bagent quietly accumulated something invaluable: real NFL experience without the crushing burden of organizational hopes resting on his shoulders.
A Year Ahead in the Learning Curve
The math is simple but telling: Tyson Bagent has a full season of NFL experience that Caleb Williams doesn’t. While Williams was dominating at USC in 2023, Bagent was learning to read NFL defenses, feeling the speed of the professional game, and understanding what it takes to prepare at the highest level.
During a recent interview on ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy, Bagent provided insight into the dizzying demands placed on him during games, particularly recalling a November matchup against the New Orleans Saints where he found himself scrambling to process the whirlwind of information coming through his headset. That kind of trial by fire – managing the chaos of real NFL game situations – is impossible to replicate in practice or college football.
But perhaps more importantly, Bagent revealed the depth of his commitment to mastering the craft. In that same interview, he opened up about studying the playbook with such intensity that he would work until he cried from the mental and emotional exhaustion. That level of dedication, combined with the humility that comes from being an undrafted player, has shaped Bagent into something the Bears might not have expected: a legitimate NFL quarterback.
Avoiding the Coaching Carousel Carnage
Here’s where Bagent caught a break that might define his career: he wasn’t the primary target of last year’s Bears coaching dysfunction. While Justin Fields and then Caleb Williams endured multiple offensive coordinators, system changes, and the constant scrutiny that comes with being a former first-round pick, Bagent developed in relative anonymity.
When he did play in 2023, Bagent completed 70 percent of his passes for 477 yards, with a touchdown and three interceptions, in three appearances. He also rushed for 27 yards with two touchdowns. These weren’t garbage-time numbers – these were meaningful snaps in competitive games where he proved he belonged.
The beauty of Bagent’s situation was that expectations were so low that every positive play was viewed as a bonus rather than a requirement. That freedom allowed him to play with confidence rather than fear, developing his skills without the psychological weight that can crush young quarterbacks.
The Intangible Advantage
What makes Bagent’s story particularly compelling is the respect he has earned from teammates. Reports surfaced in November 2024 that some Bears players had actually asked for Bagent to start at quarterback, suggesting that his teammates see something in him that goes beyond statistics.
That kind of locker room support doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from watching a player prepare, seeing how he handles adversity, and witnessing his commitment to the team. Bagent’s work ethic – studying until he cried – and his humble approach to the game have resonated with veterans who understand what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
The Williams Comparison
This isn’t to diminish Caleb Williams’ talent or potential. Williams is rightfully considered one of the most gifted quarterback prospects in recent memory. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee NFL success, and the pressure of being a #1 overall pick can be overwhelming.
Bagent may not have the raw athletic gifts of Williams, but the desire and dedication are there to a greater degree, in this fan’s opinion. Barring disaster, which we have already seen in this first week of NFL preseason games, he will be the Bears’ backup this season.
Williams enters 2025 with massive expectations, a new offensive system to learn, and the weight of a franchise’s hopes on his shoulders. Meanwhile, Bagent has already proven he can win NFL games, has a year of experience managing the speed and complexity of professional football, and carries no external pressure.
Looking Forward
As the Bears enter 2025, they may have stumbled into an ideal situation: a high-ceiling rookie in Williams paired with a proven, experienced backup in Bagent, who has already demonstrated his ability to step in and perform when needed.
Bagent’s journey from undrafted free agent to legitimate NFL quarterback reads like a fairy tale. Still, it’s grounded in real preparation, genuine toughness, and the kind of work ethic that leads to late-night study sessions that end in tears.
While Williams will rightfully be the starter, Bagent represents something equally valuable: insurance, experience, and the reminder that sometimes the best development happens when nobody’s watching. His year of NFL experience, earned without the pressure of franchise expectations, might just be the foundation for a surprisingly successful career.
In a league where quarterback careers can be derailed by too much pressure too soon, Tyson Bagent’s unconventional path might prove to be exactly what he needed. Sometimes the best thing that can happen to a young quarterback is not being the guy everyone’s counting on – until you’re ready to be.
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)