Welcome to the 2026 Chicago Bears Season Preview on Bears By 7, a player-by-player look at the team's roster and their chances.

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Tyson Bagent’s biggest highlights came in August, which is exactly what you want from your backup quarterback.

On the field, there was the 17-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Chiefs in the preseason, a contest that was capped by a game-winning touchdown to Jahdae Walker in the corner of the end zone.

Off the field, Bagent signed a two-year, $10 million extension that produced one of the year’s best press conferences. An undrafted free agent out of Shepherd University, Bagent cried as he told reporters his father didn’t have running water until high school. Already a fan favorite, Bagent’s status as a feelgood underdog story was cemented even further.

And then we didn’t hear from Bagent much more. He attempted three passes against the Lions in Week 2, completed a 20-yard pass on a trick play against the Bengals in Week 9 and lined up as a receiver against the Vikings in Week 11.

Despite the relative inactivity, Bagent’s reputation only grew. Multiple teams called the Bears about a trade this offseason and Ben Johnson called him a top-32 quarterback in the league who deserves a shot to start somewhere one day.

But whatever price the Bears set, no one came close to matching it.

While Bagent was able to get four starts when he was backing Justin Fields, Caleb Williams hasn’t provided the same opportunity. No. 18 has played in every game over his first two seasons.

Yet if the unthinkable happens and Williams is hurt, Bagent should be ready to answer the bell. It’s clear that Johnson thinks the world of what Bagent brings to the quarterback room and how he goes about his business.

Bagent owns the exact mentality and motivation you want from a QB2 if the unthinkable happens. He’s signed with the Bears through 2027 and while his chance in the NFL will one day come, here’s hoping it doesn’t come with the Bears in 2026.