QB2 Battle in Chicago: Bagent pulls ahead of Keenum

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 21 hours ago

CHICAGO - The competition for the backup quarterback position is heating up in Chicago between third-year quarterback Tyson Bagent and seasoned veteran Case Keenum.

For Bagent, this feels like the perfect time for head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme and this competition because he feels that the two seasons he has under his belt have helped him be more prepared.

“I feel like it’s probably right on time too. I don’t know how sharp I would have been in this offense in my rookie season,” Bagent said. “But, I think with the limited experience that I do have and the limited amount of action and reps through practice through the years, it has helped me be ready for the boatload of information that’s going on right now.”

There has been a lot of change between when Chicago signed Bagent and right now. Bagent was undrafted coming out of a Division II school, just trying to get on the roster. As a rookie, he got the opportunity to start four games after Justin Fields went down with an injury.

Reflecting on this journey is emotional for him and something he thinks about as he potentially goes into his final season with the Bears, since his goal is to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

“My journey, especially since I’ve got here, (it’s) been nothing short of amazing. I’m extremely blessed and can’t even believe the situation that I’m in. I could sit here and freaking start balling my eyes out just thinking about it,” Bagent said. “But, (I) am beside myself every single day that I wake up that this is what I get to do and then especially with how everything has kind of unfolded with how ready I feel right now and then being gifted with this amazing stuff. It just seems like things just keep, oddly enough, keep working out in my favor and I’m full steam ahead and just really grateful and excited for everything to come.”

If this year is Bagent’s last season in Chicago, at least he will spend it learning from an offensive mind like Johnson. Ever since he came to the Bears, Johnson has been about intensity, perfection, and dedication.

Those are all traits that Bagent possesses, which makes this offense a good fit for him.

“Right now, it’s got to be the intensity behind everything, just how much they harp on all the details. It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced in the league so far. So, it’s been (a) pleasant surprise for myself and I think a lot of other people as well,” Bagent said. “Really for me, it’s simple. Just that there’s no BS-ing going around … I like to have as much fun as I possibly can outside of this building. But when I’m here, I’m pretty much full steam ahead. What are we going to do today? What are we going to accomplish? And whether it’s getting a play from (Johnson), talking to him between plays, just seems like he’s right there, right there with me intensity-wise, which is all you could ask for, especially from a head coach.”

Bagent also got some new weapons to develop chemistry with, including tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Both missed some time in camp with injuries, but have now returned to the field.

While Burden III is behind, Loveland has been getting the attention and respect of coaches and players alike, including Bagent.

“I think just with talking to (Loveland), with him being (from a) more pro-style offense already at the college level,” Bagent said. “Then, I think, conversation with him about some things that we have going on and then when he first stepped out there for live periods, you could see there was really no hesitation. He was full steam ahead, catching the ball, getting forward, very rangy guy and very, very easy guy to throw the ball to with just how rangy he is.”

Loveland is currently the only rookie listed as a starter on the depth chart as he is the starting No. 2 tight end. Bagent appears to be winning the battle for the backup quarterback position as he is listed as the backup behind Caleb Williams, with Keenum listed as the third-string quarterback.