A few of our guys are running through a pre-training camp roundtable addressing some topics about the Bears.
Tyson Bagent has been the Chicago Bears’ number two quarterback since his rookie season of 2023, but in April, they brought in 37-year-old Case Keenum, who has 66 starts in his 11-year career.
Today’s question: Who will win Chicago’s backup quarterback job?
Jeff Berckes: A good question because you know that Case Keenum is going to be on the roster this year serving in the important veteran / extra coach role (something that still baffles me Chicago didn’t do last year…). Tyson Bagent is a valuable resource as a young, cheap quarterback who is itching to get his chance in the league. I think they find a way to keep both with Bagent dressing on gameday.
Johnathan Wood: Case Keenum. This coaching staff brought him in; they have no ties to Tyson Bagent. I have no idea why Bears fans are so convinced Bagent is good, as his performance during his 2023 rookie season was quite poor, but Keenum is much more proven and experienced, and it will be a huge surprise if he doesn’t win the job.
Ryan Droste: I think the Bears keep 3 QBs on the roster. I don’t think they let Case Keenum get away (like Brett Rypien last year) as his mentorship will be critical for Caleb. Yet they’ve also spent a few years developing Tyson Bagent into a serviceable/cheap backup. I think that Bagent ultimately ends up as number two on the depth chart during most games, though I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Keenum started the season in that role.
TJ Starman: I like that this is a legitimate question because it shows that Case Keenum still has a little game left in him, but come on – it’s definitely Tyson Bagent. I think the Bears will carry all three QBs on the roster, with Keenum having a great deal of value as a player-coach for not only Caleb, but also Tyson, who still has upside as a backup in the NFL. Ultimately, Bagent gives the team a greater chance of winning if it comes to it, and that should be the deciding factor.
Dr. Mason West: I don’t think it matters much. If Caleb is hurt for a short time, you just need someone to go .500. If it is long-term, your season is done. That being said, I think it is Bagent who has been basically a .500 QB when needed for the Bears. Case Keenum is there to be a coach on the field.
Bryan Orenchuk: Case Keenum. He’s a savvy vet who’s been in multiple systems and always seemed to exceed expectations. I wouldn’t be shocked if Bagent beat him out in camp, but Keenum is my guess.
Gary Baugher Jr.: If you follow me on Twitter (@iamcogs), you will know how I feel about Tyson, haha. I like the kid, love his story, and every time I see him do an interview, I come away enjoying it. But he’s a limited QB, who can’t be asked to step in to run a full offense. Case Keenum, on the other hand, has a lot of starting experience and brings the benefit of veteran leadership and guidance to Caleb Williams. I personally would be shocked if QB2 didn’t go to Keenum.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: This regime seems to want Keenum in that QB room with Caleb, but will that be as the number two, or will they carry three quarterbacks? Ben Johnson’s Lions offense opened the last two years with only two QBs on the 53-man roster, but they also had a veteran QB1. I think Keenum will be Caleb’s backup, with Bagent sticking on the 53 as well.
Now it’s your turn. Who will win the Bears’ strongside linebacker job?