If you’re one of the Chicago Bears fans wondering whether backup Tyson Bagent might replace starter Caleb Williams, you shouldn’t hold your breath.
Through eight weeks, the Bears are 4–3 and in the NFC North hunt with Williams, who has flashed in multiple games and is still learning Ben Johnson’s system. The second-year quarterback has struggled at times, and his accuracy remains a legitimate concern.
In seven games, Williams has completed 61.9% of his passes for 1,636 yards, nine TDs, four interceptions and a 52.9 QBR. He had a four-touchdown performance against the Cowboys and a nice comeback win on the road against the Raiders, but his issues with penalties (he has drawn three intentional grounding flags this season) and his cadence have also drawn understandable criticism.
But sitting Williams and starting Bagent now — when Williams is healthy and the Bears are above .500 — would send a very confusing message.
Why Bears Won’t Bench Caleb Williams & Start Tyson Bagent
Nic Antaya/GettyThe Chicago Bears aren’t going to bench Caleb Williams and start backup Tyson Bagent.
“The Bears are not turning to Tyson Bagent right now. No way. Not even on the table,” insider Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network wrote on October 28, when responding to a fan’s question about the subject. “They drafted Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. He has the mobility and arm talent and skill to be an excellent quarterback in this league, and I personally wouldn’t put him and Justin Fields in the same category. Not by a long shot.”
Overall, Williams has kept turnovers in check this season (he’s thrown just four interceptions), is around league-average efficiency and has the Bears playing meaningful football in November. You don’t bench a former No. 1 overall pick for that.
“Ben Johnson came to Chicago, in part, because of Williams,” Bair added. “He is committed to Williams’ development as a player in a complex scheme it’ll take a long time to master. While Williams hasn’t been as impactful as many would like, he’s not playing poorly. In fact, Johnson said he saw growth in Williams’ performance versus Baltimore.”
Bagent Remains a Luxury at Backup QB for the Bears
Bagent had an excellent preseason, going 46-of-69 for 511 yards, five TDs and an interception across three games, including a three-TD rally at Kansas City. That earned him an extension and plenty love from the fan base, but playing in the regular season is an entirely different beast.
As a rookie in 2023, he completed 94 of 143 passes (65.7%) for 859 yards with three TDs and six INTs. He barely played in 2024 (2-for-2 for 11 yards) and has thrown only three passes this season (2-for-3 for 27 yards).
Chicago extended Bagent for two more years in August, so the fact that he’s sticking around may have an influence on some fans’ thinking. His $10 million deal — with incentives up to $16 million — tells you how the organization views him. Is he valuable? Absolutely. Should he unseat Williams in October of a competitive season? Not unless an emergency were to hit.
“Williams is a work in progress and the Bears will continue to develop his talent,” Bair added. “Bagent ranks high among the best backups, but the Bears are 4-3 and will steam ahead with their current quarterback situation for the foreseeable future.”
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