Earlier this offseason, there was interest, and reportedly, it still feels like a Tyson Bagent trade could come at some point during the 2026 campaign. While there are numerous QB trade candidates, including Spencer Rattler, Tanner McKee and Mac Jones, there’s one name that gets overlooked. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Chicago Bears should trade their backup QB, as Caleb Williams doesn’t have injury issues, and you can argue that the team would be fine. Jordan Schultz reported a few months ago that teams received inquiries surrounding Bagent, and it’s only a matter of when, not if.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2023, the former Shepherd product flashed a couple of times during his stint in Chicago. The backup was a fill-in starter for former QB Justin Fields, finishing his first season, 2-2, showing some promise. After the Bears took Williams the following year, Bagent remained as the backup and won the job over Brett Rypien.
Last year, the team signed the backup to a two-year extension, which has him secured with the roster through the 2027 season. However, that could easily change as the season progresses. If they see Williams performing at his highest again during the season, they could be more lenient on what deal they’d want.
Tyson Bagent Trade: 4 Teams that May Target the Top-32 QB
At the same time, could the Bears afford to lose their backup? probably not. However, they’d need to allow teams to offer a friendly package for the QB, which shouldn’t be anywhere near higher than a fourth-round pick. This means Bagent’s value as a QB isn’t the best, but you can argue he hasn’t shown his full potential yet. Here are four teams that could keep an eye on the underrated talent.
Possible Fits
Atlanta Falcons
Despite signing QB Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, this doesn’t mean a long-term future in Atlanta. The Falcons have one of the worst QB depths in the league, and while Michael Penix Jr. will get an opportunity to prove himself again, he hasn’t been consistent or healthy, either. The Falcons must do something if they want to get back into the playoff picture, and after hiring head coach Kevin Stefanski, one could argue the team is going backwards.
However, that comes with the beauty of risks turning out better than expected. Bagent could be the gem that Atlanta is missing if Tagovailoa and Penix struggle this upcoming 2026 season. The Bears QB will be the third-stringer, but you never know before you try it.
Arizona Cardinals
QB Jacoby Brissett has finally returned to OTAs to avoid any fees after sitting out and waiting for a new contract. However, at age 34, it’s hard to envision he’s still a mobile starter. The Cardinals selected Carson Beck in this year’s draft and signed Gardner Minshew as their bridge. Minshew hasn’t been adequate, and with Brissett on the trade block, the Cardinals would be better off starting Beck, with Bagent backing him up.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers haven’t been fully sold on QB Bryce Young. After an impressive 2025 season, the team is still holding its breath on the young starter to see if he can stay consistent. The Panthers signed Kenny Pickett in free agency after they traded Andy Dalton to the Eagles, since he’s on the older side. Carolina doesn’t need another QB, but it’d be fun to see Pickett and Bagent compete for the backup job.
Indianapolis Colts
After Anthony Richardson had requested a trade, he returned to practice, and it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere anymore. Unfortunately, the Colts could be set to release him before the start of the 2026 season if he doesn’t improve his in-game abilities. If any of these listed teams need a backup QB, it’s the Colts. They’re giving Daniel Jones two more years as their starter, but even that’s a gamble.
He’s coming off a season-ending injury last year, and it’d be safer to secure a strong backup to help elevate this offense.
