Bears Quarterback Inks Fresh Agreement to Succeed Former Top Draft Selection
The Chicago Bears will engage in numerous discussions regarding their quarterback situation in the coming month, but none will involve the potential return of veteran backup Nathan Peterman for another season.
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Peterman is set to sign a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, where he will have an opportunity to serve as Derek Carr's backup for the 2024 season, potentially replacing former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston. He is expected to compete with 2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener for the role.
Peterman, who served as the Bears' No. 3 quarterback for the past two seasons, saw limited action, featuring in only five games during his tenure in Chicago. His departure became likely after the Bears signed veteran Brett Rypien to a one-year contract on March 13. Despite his tenure, Peterman failed to secure the primary backup position over Trevor Siemian or undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent.
While Peterman moves on, the Bears retain three quarterbacks on their 2024 roster: starter Justin Fields, Bagent, and Rypien. However, it remains uncertain whether Fields or Bagent will remain on the 90-man roster when training camp commences, especially with a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron and the No. 1 overall pick at their disposal.
Regarding Tyson Bagent's future with the Bears, he finds himself in an intriguing position. The undrafted rookie out of Division II Shepherd made waves during the 2023 training camp, winning the No. 2 quarterback role over Peterman and intended backup PJ Walker. Despite starting four games during his rookie season, displaying potential despite a 3:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Bagent's connection with former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who discovered him during the 2023 Senior Bowl, no longer holds as Getsy is now with the Las Vegas staff.
With a new coordinator in place, Bagent must prove himself once more. The Bears' forthcoming quarterback decisions, including potentially trading Fields and drafting a new rookie quarterback, could determine Bagent's fate for the 2024 season. If the Bears opt for a veteran backup, Rypien could be considered, or another experienced option might be sought if Bagent is deemed inexperienced.
Alternatively, if the Bears believe Bagent has potential worth nurturing, giving him a chance to compete in 2024 would be reasonable.
As for Justin Fields, the Bears face uncertainty after the initial free agency frenzy. Many quarterback-needy teams have already addressed their needs, potentially diminishing the return the Bears could receive for Fields in a trade. However, the Denver Broncos, lacking a clear franchise quarterback, could be a potential trade partner. Positioned at No. 12 overall in the draft order, the Broncos may find it challenging to secure a top-tier rookie QB. Acquiring Fields could be an attractive option for them, especially if the Bears are willing to negotiate a package involving Fields and their No. 9 overall pick for the Broncos' No. 12 pick, possibly alongside a mid-round selection.
| POLL | ||
15 MARS | 108 ANSWERS Bears Quarterback Inks Fresh Agreement to Succeed Former Top Draft Selection Will Bagent be the backup QB this season? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 57.4 % |
| No | 46 | 42.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
