Chicago Bears Secure Future with Tyson Bagent Extension
#chicago_bears #tyson_bagent #quarterback #roster_moves #young_talent
Introduction
The Chicago Bears have made some key roster moves this week, starting with the signing of quarterback Tyson Bagent to a two-year extension. The 23-year-old has shown great potential and the Bears are looking to secure him for the long-term.
Key Details
Bagent joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent last year and has been developing under the mentorship of veteran quarterback, Andy Dalton. He has impressed the coaching staff with his strong arm, accuracy, and decision-making abilities. With the extension, Bagent will have the opportunity to continue learning from Dalton and potentially take over as the starting quarterback in the future.
The Chicago Bears have been in need of a franchise quarterback for some time now and it seems like they may have found their man in Bagent. This move also shows the team's commitment to developing young talent and building for the future.
Impact
This roster move not only solidifies the quarterback position for the Bears, but it also sets a tone for the team's overall direction. The organization is focused on building a strong, young core and setting a foundation for sustained success. Bagent's extension is just the beginning of what could be an exciting future for the Chicago Bears.
About the People Mentioned
Tyson Bagent
Tyson Bagent is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears in the NFL, born June 8, 2000, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.[2][4] A standout at Division II Shepherd University, he started as a freshman in 2018, setting school records in his debut with 518 passing yards and three touchdowns, and later shattering NCAA Division II marks for career completions (1,400), passing yards (17,034), and touchdown passes (159, an all-divisions record).[1][2][3][6] Bagent earned the 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II's top player, along with the Hardman Award as West Virginia's premier amateur athlete, two-time All-American honors, and Division II Offensive Player of the Year accolades.[2][3][6] He led Shepherd to D-II semifinals twice, posted a 71% completion rate in his peak 2021 season (391-of-579 for 5,000 yards, 53 TDs), and was a 2022 Harlon Hill finalist.[2][3][6] Undrafted in 2023 out of Shepherd, Bagent improbably won the Bears' backup job behind Justin Fields, becoming the first D-II quarterback to start an NFL game in 13 years and the first Chicago starter to win his debut in nearly two decades.[1] He filled in effectively mid-season, showcasing poise praised by coaches.[1] Currently, Bagent serves as the top backup to Caleb Williams under new Bears coach Ben Johnson, having signed a two-year extension worth up to $16 million.[1] His journey from small-school stardom to NFL relevance highlights resilience, with former coaches predicting further ascent.[1] Named to the PSAC 75 Greatest Male Athletes in 2025-26, Bagent's legacy includes inspiring his community and elevating Shepherd's profile.[6][7] (298 words)
Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton is an American football quarterback born on October 29, 1987, currently playing for the Carolina Panthers in his 14th NFL season as of 2025.[1][2][5] At Texas Christian University (TCU), he set school records for wins (42-8 as a starter), passing yards (10,314), completions (812), attempts (1,317), and touchdowns (71), leading the Horned Frogs to the 2011 Rose Bowl victory and earning two Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year awards.[1][4] Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Dalton quickly excelled, becoming one of only ten quarterbacks to throw for over 3,000 yards in each of his first three seasons and one of six to reach 20+ touchdowns in those years.[1] He led the Bengals to five straight playoff appearances—the only quarterback in franchise history to do so—and holds team records for single-season passing yards, passing touchdowns, and career passing touchdowns.[1] A three-time Pro Bowler, Dalton paired with A.J. Green to set NFL rookie records for quarterback-receiver completions and yards.[1] After nine seasons with Cincinnati (2011-2019), he played for the Dallas Cowboys (2020), Chicago Bears (2021), New Orleans Saints (2022), and signed a two-year, $11 million deal with Carolina in 2023.[2][3][6] His career passing yards exceed 38,150, ranking high among active quarterbacks.[2] In 2023 with the Panthers, he threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 3 loss to Seattle, mentoring rookies like Bryce Young amid injuries.[2][3][6] Recently, Dalton was involved in a car crash with his wife and children, as reported in prior updates, and continues as a veteran leader.[6] (Word count: 298)
About the Organizations Mentioned
Chicago Bears
The **Chicago Bears** are a historic professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois, and one of the NFL's charter members, founded in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1921 and adopting their current name in 1922[1][2][7]. They compete in the NFC North division and have a significant legacy marked by **nine NFL championships**, including eight pre-Super Bowl NFL titles and one Super Bowl victory in 1985 (Super Bowl XX), making them second only to the Green Bay Packers in total championships won[1][3][4]. The Bears are renowned for pioneering contributions to the game, including being the first NFL team to buy a player from another team in 1922 and playing in the first NFL indoor game in 1932[1]. Their dominant era was notably under the leadership of George Halas—nicknamed "Papa Bear"—who was a founder, player, coach, owner, and general manager. Halas coached the team in four separate stints over nearly five decades, amassing 324 victories, a record that stood for 27 years, and shaping the Bears into a football powerhouse[1][2][6]. Under his guidance, the Bears won multiple championships in the 1940s, including the legendary 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in 1940, a record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history[1][2][6]. The Bears have produced 39 Hall of Fame players, hold the record for the most retired jersey numbers (14), and have the most members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (29), underscoring their historical and cultural impact on the sport[3]. They also innovated offensive strategies, developing the T-formation offense that revolutionized the quarterback position and offensive play[3]. Although the Bears have struggled in recent decades with sporadic playoff appearances and fewer winning seasons, they remain a storied franchise with
