Do Chicago Bears backup QBs have any trade value ahead of training camp?

The Chicago Bears signed veteran journeyman quarterback Brett Rypien earlier this offseason to compete with Tyson Bagent. The victor of the impending training camp battle will win the right to back up Caleb Williams. With undrafted quarterback Austin Reed also on the 90-man roster, could the Bears consider trading Rypien or Bagent during training camp?

Bleacher Report apparently believes that Rypien may have some trade value around the league. “Any backup quarterback with a bit of starting experience in the NFL could be intriguing to teams in need of help at the position,” Kristopher Knox of B/R wrote earlier this week. “If Bagent beats out Rypien, the Bears could seek a late-round draft pick in exchange for Rypien if there are one or two dire quarterback situations across the league.”

It’s tough to envision Rypien having any legitimate trade value, but it’s an interesting sentiment to consider. Rypien spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. He was signed due to his familiarity with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, having briefly played for him in Seattle. He’s well-versed in Waldron’s system, which is a version of the Sean McVay offense, another scheme he operated during his time with the Rams.

Rypien has completed 98 of 168 career regular-season passes for a completion percentage of 58.3%. Rypien has thrown for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 10 NFL appearances. He’s seen extension action throughout the preseason as well.

Things could get significantly more interesting if the unlikely happens and Rypien defeats Bagent for the backup gig this summer. Bagent would likely garner more trade interest around the league if made available based on last season’s surprising results. General manager Ryan Poles could consider acquiring draft capital after trading a mid-round 2025 pick for Austin Booker.