Tyson Bagent proving college experience matters at QB

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent didn’t enter the NFL with much fanfare. Sure, he was on the 2023 Senior Bowl roster, but as a small-school prospect from Division II Shepherd, he was overlooked in an NFL draft class that included Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson as first-round players.

Bagent joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent. Seven rounds came and went, and his name wasn’t called. In some cases, falling out of the draft is better for college prospects, they can pick which team they sign with and make that decision based on their odds of making the roster. Bagent chose the Bears, and it’s paying off.

After two preseason games, Bagent isn’t just trending as a player who should make the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster, he’s now viewed as the team’s best option to serve as Justin Fields’ primary backup.

Tyson Bagent’s rise from the ashes of the disappointment of being undrafted to a Chicago preseason celebrity is surprising, but perhaps it should’ve been expected. He threw for an astonishing 9,580 yards and 94 touchdowns over his final two seasons in college and attempted 2,040 passes for Shepherd before turning pro.

That’s a lot of production and a lot of reps, and it’s a big reason why he says he’s adjusting quickly to the NFL.

“Luckily enough, I was able to play a lot of football in college and really get exposed to all the situations football has to offer,” Bagent said after Week 2’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. “I think that definitely serves a role. I’ve also been playing quarterback since I was six, when my dad forced me to play. I’ve been playing for a long time.“

Bagent finished Week 2’s preseason game completing 9-of-10 passes for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown. He’s earned a