Caleb Williams is the unquestioned leader and starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, but backup Tyson Bagent has done enough both on and off the field to earn his own respect.
With training camp underway, there are many players who are looking to not only get accumulated with the new coaching staff but also prove themselves. That includes Bagent, who’s in competition with veteran Case Keenum for the backup quarterback job.
Entering his third season in the NFL, Bagent brings a familiarity with the organization and has had played in nine games in his first two seasons in the league. A former undrafted free agent signing by general manager Ryan Poles, Bagent has impressed early in camp and his new head coach has taken noticed. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Ben Johnson had high praise for the third-year QB.
“Man, he’s been phenomenal,” Johnson said of Bagent. “I mean he’s smart as a whip. Appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings everytime that he walks into a room, you know meeting room, walkthrough, it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in, he’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him. Love the fact that he throws the ball and he keeps working through his progressions just so he goes home with exactly where everyone is going to be in case he had to move on. I think he has taken this seriously. He’s preparing the right way, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that he is here with us.”
Showing off his football IQ will be big for Bagent in competing for the backup role, but also to help the quarterback room find rhythm and understanding of their new offense. Chicago has a good problem on their hands this year with both Bagent and Keenum behind Williams, building the quarterback room with both a veteran and a young talent in Bagent to really form strong depth at the most important position.
While Bagent could have been pushing for a starting role with another team, he’s really coming into his own in Chicago and the coaching staff is clearly thrilled to have him.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson’s comments about Tyson Bagent were quite telling
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
