The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they’re looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it’s a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
First up at No. 30 is quarterback Tyson Bagent, who has been a reliable backup since his rookie season as an undrafted free agent. The hope is the Bears don’t need Bagent, but if they do, they have someone who has a good understanding of Johnson’s offense and can step up for the team.
Background
Position: Quarterback
Age: 26
Experience: 4th season
2026 cap hit: $4.75 million
2025 recap
The Bears understand the importance of a good backup quarterback, which is why they signed Bagent to a two-year, $10 million extension before the start of the 2025 season. Bagent, a former undrafted rookie, has carved out a nice role for himself with Chicago, and Johnson has spoken glowingly about him. Bagent saw very limited action during the 2025 season, which is exactly what you want from your backup, appearing in just three games. Bagent did play a role in one of Johnson’s trick plays, where he completed a pass to Caleb Williams in a 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The most action Bagent saw came in Week 2, when he completed 2-of-3 passes for 27 yards after stepping in for Williams in a 52-21 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions.
Importance in 2026
While Williams has yet to miss a game during his first two years in the NFL, you never know what can happen on a weekly basis on the field. Having a dependable backup quarterback is key, and the Bears have that with Bagent, who has proven to be a reliable starter when needed. Bagent’s importance in 2026 is hypothetical at this point, with the hope being he isn’t needed at all, aside from replacing Williams if Chicago is blowing out an opponent. But in a game that can change very quickly, having a reliable backup in Bagent, who Johnson trusts and has raved about, certainly gives the Bears an added level of comfort. The hope is the Bears don’t need Bagent this season. But having the option is important.
Big Question: Will Bagent be traded this season?
The Bears found a diamond in the rough in former undrafted free agent Bagent, who made a strong impression as a rookie and earned himself the backup job through an impressive preseason. Bagent continues to shine during the preseason, and he’s garnered some interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league. While general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have made it clear that they don’t want to trade Bagent — given his talent and importance to the team — they also made it known that they don’t want to hold him back. Earlier this offseason, there were trade rumors flying around about Bagent, including Chicago wanting a prime Day 2 pick in a potential trade. Given the nature of the NFL, and the teams still with quarterback questions, all eyes will be on the Bears and whether a team makes a deal that Poles can’t refuse for their QB2.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Tyson Bagent (No. 30)
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
