Chicago Bears clear path for QB Tyson Bagent to be Justin Fields’ backup

Update (11:05 a.m.): The Bears re-signed Nathan Peterman to the active roster, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

It’s been quite the ride for former Shepherd quarterback Tyson Bagent, who went from being a highly-touted small-school prospect to undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, to the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster, and now one play away from being the team’s starting quarterback.

The Bears released backup quarterback Nathan Peterman on Wednesday, leaving Bagent the only quarterback besides Justin Fields on the active roster.

Peterman was added to the Bears’ practice squad and can be called up on gameday if needed, but Bagent’s impressive preseason suggested it was only a matter of time before he became Fields’ primary reserve.

Bagent earned the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade on offense among all NFL rookies during the 2023 preseason, which led to veteran PJ Walker, who was signed as Chicago’s QB2 during the offseason, to be released on cutdown day.

Bagent’s breakthrough moment came in Week 2 of the preseason when he completed 9-of-10 passes for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. It was obvious during that game that he had the poise and accuracy required to play in the NFL.

Now, he’s the Chicago Bears’ QB2.

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