What Happened to Tyson Jacob Bagent?
Tyson Bagent, an undrafted quarterback from Division II Shepherd University, defied expectations by making the Chicago Bears' roster in 2023 and starting four games as a rookie. He secured a two-year contract extension in August 2025 and, as of October 2026, is poised to start for the Bears in Week 4 due to an injury to starting quarterback Caleb Williams.
Quick Answer
Tyson Bagent is currently a quarterback for the Chicago Bears, serving as the primary backup. After signing a two-year, $10 million extension in August 2025, he is expected to start for the Bears in Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season against the New York Jets due to a hamstring injury sustained by starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Bagent previously saw significant playing time in his rookie season (2023) and has consistently been praised by the Bears' coaching staff for his intelligence and ability to operate the offense.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia
Tyson Jacob Bagent was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
College Football Career at Shepherd University
Bagent played five seasons at Shepherd University, setting numerous NCAA Division II records for passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.
Wins Harlon Hill Trophy
Bagent won the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.
Signs with Chicago Bears as Undrafted Free Agent
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bagent signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
NFL Debut vs. Minnesota Vikings
Bagent made his NFL debut for the Bears against the Minnesota Vikings, coming in after Justin Fields left with an injury.
First NFL Start vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Bagent made his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first Division II undrafted rookie quarterback to start an NFL game since 1950.
Completes Rookie Season with Four Starts
Bagent finished his rookie season having played in five games (four starts), completing 94 of 143 passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Bears
The Chicago Bears signed Tyson Bagent to a two-year contract extension worth $10 million, with incentives up to $16 million, securing him through the 2027 season.
Replaces Injured Caleb Williams, Suffers Concussion
In Week 2 of the 2026 season, Bagent replaced an injured Caleb Williams against the Minnesota Vikings, completing 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards before suffering a concussion.
Clears Concussion Protocol, Keenum Starts Week 3
Bagent cleared concussion protocol in time for Week 3, but Case Keenum started the game against the Eagles.
Expected to Start Week 4 vs. New York Jets
With Caleb Williams ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Tyson Bagent is expected to start for the Chicago Bears in Week 4 against the New York Jets.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Tyson Bagent's journey to the NFL is a testament to overcoming long odds, transitioning from a highly decorated Division II college quarterback to an NFL starter. Born on June 8, 2000, Bagent played college football at Shepherd University, where he became a prolific passer. Over his five-year career (2018-2022), he shattered numerous NCAA Division II records, including career completions (1,400), passing yards (17,034), and passing touchdowns (159). His exceptional performance in 2021 earned him the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
Despite his collegiate dominance, Bagent went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, with many analysts citing concerns about the level of competition he faced. However, he quickly signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. Bagent impressed the coaching staff during the preseason, earning a spot on the 53-man roster. His NFL debut came in Week 6 of the 2023 season, stepping in for an injured Justin Fields. A week later, he made history by becoming the first undrafted rookie quarterback from a Division II school to start an NFL game since 1950. He started four games, leading the Bears to a 2-2 record, completing 65.7% of his passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions.
In 2024, Bagent continued in his backup role, appearing in four games and completing two passes for 11 yards. His consistent performance and potential led the Bears to sign him to a two-year contract extension on August 20, 2025. The deal was worth $10 million, with incentives that could increase its value to $16 million, solidifying his position as a valuable asset through the 2027 season. He remained the second-string quarterback behind Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the 2025 season, Bagent saw limited action, appearing in three games and completing 3 of 4 passes for 47 yards.
The 2026 season has brought Bagent back into the spotlight. He was initially inactive for the season opener due to a back injury. In Week 2, after starting quarterback Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury against the Minnesota Vikings, Bagent entered the game, completing 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards before sustaining a concussion. Although he cleared concussion protocol for Week 3, Case Keenum was given the start. However, as of October 3, 2026, Tyson Bagent is expected to start for the Chicago Bears in Week 4 against the New York Jets, with Williams ruled out. This decision underscores the Bears' continued confidence in Bagent, who had won the No. 2 job in the offseason, despite Keenum's strong performance in the previous game.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Tyson Jacob Bagent made different choices?