In recent discussions, the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Tyson Bagent, the backup quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Bagent”s transition from an undrafted rookie to a valuable asset has garnered attention, especially as the Cardinals look to forge a new identity under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.
Bagent”s journey is one of the more compelling narratives in recent Bears history. After signing a two-year contract extension worth $10 million this past offseason, his future in Chicago might be uncertain. His performance as a rookie, where he started four games and achieved a 2-2 record while stepping in for Justin Fields, showcased his potential, but also highlighted the challenges he faced.
Despite not having standout statistics, his experience and time spent learning under respected offensive mind Ben Johnson could enhance his appeal for a rebuilding franchise like Arizona. Prior to his NFL debut, Bagent”s last college start was against the Colorado School of Mines, indicating a significant leap in competition when he faced NFL defenses.
As for the potential trade, assistant editor Brendan Sugrue from The Bears Wire has proposed a mock trade scenario. This would see the Cardinals obtaining Bagent in exchange for a conditional fourth or fifth-round draft pick, which could escalate to a third-round pick if Bagent starts nine games in 2026. While this offers a reasonable return, it may not satisfy Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who likely seeks a more substantial offer.
Backup quarterbacks are a rare commodity in the league, and their value lies in their ability to stabilize a team when the starting quarterback is sidelined. Given Bagent”s popularity within the Bears organization, Poles would need a significant return to even consider trading him. A top 50 draft pick might be the minimum for a player who has proven capable of stepping up in critical situations.
While the buzz around Bagent”s trade potential has been persistent, the reality is that unless the Cardinals are willing to part with high-value draft capital, the Bears have little reason to let go of a player they hold in high regard. For now, it appears that Bagent will remain a vital part of the Bears” future plans.
