Bears 53-man roster and depth chart prediction: Quarterbacks

The Chicago Bears will kick off training camp in less than one month, and the daily battle for roster spots and starting jobs comes with it.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll break down each position group and predict which players will make the final roster and what the 2023 depth chart should look like.

We’ll start with the game’s most important position: Quarterback.

Michael Reaves – Getty Images

Justin Fields or bust at QB1

This one’s a no-brainer. Justin Fields is the most important player on the Chicago Bears’ roster this season. In fact, he’s arguably the most important player the franchise has fielded in the last 10 years.

The Bears have made it their primary objective to surround him with more talent this offseason, and for the most part, GM Ryan Poles accomplished that goal.

No one on the roster can challenge Fields for starts in 2023, even if he has a horrendous season.

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PJ Walker is a lock at QB2

PJ Walker’s role on the Bears is almost as secure as Fields’. He brings a discounted version of Fields’ skill set to the roster. Walker has above-average athletic ability and a good enough arm to run Luke Getsy’s offense should he be forced into the lineup due to injury.

It doesn’t hurt that Walker spent time with DJ Moore in Carolina. If Fields goes down, Walker will at least have some chemistry with Chicago’s WR1.

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Nathan Peterman vs. Tyson Bagent for QB3

The QB3 job is where things get interesting. For now, I’m giving the nod to Nathan Peterman. Tyson Bagent has a higher ceiling but won’t be ready for NFL play for a few seasons. As a result, Peterman deserves this spot unless Bagent strings together an impressive preseason that threatens the Bears’ ability to stash him on the practice squad.

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Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster will have 2 QBs

I don’t expect the Chicago Bears to carry more than two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. Those two spots belong to Justin Fields and PJ Walker.

Peterman should be the QB3, but if the Bears see enough from Bagent in the preseason, I’d expect both to receive practice squad gigs. Even if Chicago cuts ties with Peterman, he’d likely be an emergency re-signing if the Bears are desperate for veteran help during the season.

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