CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have secured a key component of their quarterback room for the foreseeable future, signing backup Tyson Bagent to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The deal keeps the former undrafted free agent with the club through the 2027 NFL season.

While financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the extension serves as a significant vote of confidence from the front office in a player who has become one of the league's more notable underdog stories. The move ensures stability behind the team's starting quarterback and rewards Bagent for his development and performance since joining the team in 2023.

From Undrafted to Indispensable

Bagent’s journey to a multi-year extension is a testament to his perseverance. He entered the league as an unheralded prospect from Shepherd University, a Division II program where he set the all-time record for passing touchdowns across all NCAA divisions. Despite his collegiate success, he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.

He signed with the Bears as a priority free agent and impressed the coaching staff throughout training camp and the preseason, ultimately winning the backup job. His role became critical during his rookie season when he was thrust into the starting lineup for four games following an injury to the team's starter. During that stretch, Bagent completed 65.7% of his passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, leading the team to a 2-2 record.

That experience proved invaluable, not only for Bagent's development but also for demonstrating his capability to manage an NFL offense under pressure. His command of the playbook and calm demeanor earned him respect in the locker room and from the coaching staff.

Strategic Importance for Chicago

For General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus, extending Bagent is a calculated move that reinforces a critical position with a known, cost-effective asset. In today's NFL, a reliable backup quarterback is not a luxury but a necessity. By locking in Bagent, the Bears avoid the uncertainty and often higher cost of pursuing veteran backups in the annual free-agent market.

This extension provides continuity within the offensive scheme and ensures that the player one snap away from leading the team is intimately familiar with the system, personnel, and culture. It allows the front office to allocate salary cap resources to other areas of need, confident that the quarterback position is secure.

The move solidifies the quarterback depth chart heading into the final weeks of the preseason and clarifies the team’s long-term vision. Bagent's presence provides a steady, experienced hand to support the offense and mentor any younger players on the roster.

As the Bears continue to build a competitive roster, Wednesday’s announcement signals a commitment to rewarding players who have earned their place through hard work and performance, regardless of their draft pedigree. For Tyson Bagent, the extension marks the culmination of a remarkable rise and the beginning of a new chapter as an established and valued member of the Chicago Bears.