The Future is Now: Bears Lock in Quarterback Stability with Bagent Extension and Williams’ Stellar Growth
The Chicago Bears are making all the right moves to solidify their quarterback room, securing their future with a recent contract extension for backup Tyson Bagent and witnessing the continued impressive development of franchise cornerstone Caleb Williams. These two storylines, while distinct, paint a clear picture of a team focused on building a winning culture from the ground up.
A Deserved Deal: Tyson Bagent’s Journey from Undrafted to Unquestioned Backup
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Bears officially locked in their QB2, signing Tyson Bagent to a two-year contract extension that keeps him in Chicago through the 2027 season. The deal, which is reportedly worth $10 million and can escalate to $16 million with incentives, is a testament to Bagent’s incredible journey and a nod to the value the organization places on having a reliable backup.
Bagent’s story is the stuff of Hollywood scripts. An undrafted free agent from Division II Shepherd University, he joined the Bears in 2023 as a long shot. He quickly turned heads in training camp and, when starter Justin Fields went down with an injury, Bagent stepped in and started four games, leading the team to two victories. His performance—completing 65.7% of his passes for 859 yards and three touchdowns—proved he was more than capable of handling the pressures of the NFL stage.
While his playing time was limited in his second season behind Caleb Williams, Bagent’s recent preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills, where he led the team to a dominant 38-0 victory, only reinforced his value. The extension ensures the Bears are not “one quarterback injury away from a lost season,” as General Manager Ryan Poles put it, providing crucial stability and peace of mind. For Bagent, the contract is a life-changing moment, one he openly and emotionally reflected on, citing how the financial security will allow him to help his family.
Caleb Williams: A Rookie Year of Records and Resilience
The reason for Bagent’s limited play in his second season is the exceptional performance of Caleb Williams. Drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Williams had a rookie campaign that defied the typical struggles of a first-year quarterback. Despite the team finishing with a 5-12 record, Williams showcased the talent and leadership that made him the top pick.
Williams’ rookie year was a record-breaking affair for the Bears. He set new franchise rookie passing records for yards (3,541) and touchdowns (20), while his 62.5% completion percentage was the ninth-best in a single season in Bears history. Beyond the raw numbers, he also demonstrated remarkable ball security, setting an NFL rookie record for most consecutive completions without an interception with 326. He led the Bears to a long-awaited victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in a decade.
While he was the most-sacked quarterback in the league (68 sacks), a significant point of concern, Williams has shown a marked improvement in this area in the 2025 preseason. He has looked more comfortable in the pocket and has been more decisive in his reads, a promising sign for his sophomore season. With new coach Ben Johnson at the helm, the team and fans are optimistic that Williams’ development will continue to accelerate, solidifying his role as the face of the franchise.
A Perfect Tandem for the Future
The Bears’ decision to extend Bagent and their confidence in Williams’ trajectory highlight a well-thought-out plan for the team’s future. By securing a reliable and highly-respected backup, they are protecting their most valuable asset in Williams. This tandem provides a foundation of stability and talent that has been missing from the Bears’ quarterback room for years.
The combination of Williams’ superstar potential and Bagent’s gritty, underdog mentality creates a dynamic that benefits the entire organization. It’s a clear message that the Bears are committed to building a sustainable winner, and it starts with a quarterback room that is both talented and well-supported.