Chicago Bears promote rookie Tyson Bagent to backup QB

The meteoric rise of Chicago Bears undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent will reach a new height in Week 4’s game against the Denver Broncos. The Shepherd product will serve as Justin Fields’ backup in a promotion expected to last for the rest of the 2023 season.

“Sources say Tyson Bagent, a former undrafted rookie free agent, will assume the role of No. 2 QB moving forward,” NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reported Sunday. “The decision has nothing to do with Fields” standing, but it does have to do with a young, promising QB deserving a promotion from No. 3 to No. 2.”

Bagent exploded onto the scene with a productive preseason that showcased his poise and accuracy, two traits missing from the Chicago Bears passing game early this season. Some Bears fans on social media have called for Bagent to replace Fields in the starting lineup, which is ludicrous at this point in the season.

But if Bagent continues to impress in practices and Fields struggles to move the offense on gameday, the calls for Bagent will grow louder at Soldier Field.

It’s crazy that we’ve arrived at this place only four weeks into what was supposed to be a breakout year for Fields, but this is an all-too-familiar place for Chicago Bears fans.

Tyson Bagent enjoyed a remarkable college career, including an NCAA-record 159 touchdown passes. He was projected to be a late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his unfortunate draft-day experience has now turned into an incredible opportunity for a quarterback who can’t be counted out as being part of the Bears” long-term plan.

The Chicago Bears kick off Week 4 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, October 1, at 12 p.m. CST (1 p.m. EST) at Soldier Field.

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