The Tyson Bagent has emerged as one of the NFL’s most sought-after backup quarterbacks, so it’s not surprising that the Chicago Bears are considering dealing him for draft capital. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder feels Bagent is a prime trade prospect and has listed Joe Flacco as a possible replacement.
“Chicago should consider dealing Tyson Bagent in the winter, as he showed some promise in the preseason and might provide the club with a nice return for a guy who, hopefully, will not play in the fall. On December 2, Holder wrote, “That would leave the offense with a need for a backup quarterback.”
“Flacco has shown to be a quality QB2 in recent years and is unlikely to challenge Williams for the starting job. In addition, the 40-year-old may serve as a valuable mentor for the 2024 No. 1 overall choice.
Bagent signed with the Bears after going undrafted in 2023. He was the ideal underdog story, making the 53-man roster after the preseason and starting the season as the third-string quarterback behind former quarterbacks Justin Fields and Nathan Peterman. He was promoted to the second string before Week 4.
Bagent started four out of five games as a rookie last season. He completed 94 of 143 passes (65.7%) for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, earning a passer rating of 71.4. He also had 23 rushing attempts for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Flacco’s 17-year NFL career reached its apex with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2012 season. He oversaw an incredible playoff run that culminated in a win in Super Bowl 47, when he was voted the game’s Most Valuable Player. Flacco tossed 11 touchdown passes without an interception in the playoffs that year, tying the record set by San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana.
Flacco totaled 38,245 passing yards and 212 touchdowns over his 11 seasons with Baltimore. His tenure includes six postseason appearances, three AFC Championship Games, and one Super Bowl victory. In 2018, a hip injury caused Flacco to lose his starting job to rookie Lamar Jackson.
In 2023, Flacco joined the Cleveland Browns following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury. He eventually led Cleveland to the playoffs, starting five games and throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His effort earned him the Associated Press’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
In March 2024, Flacco agreed to a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth up to $8.1 million. He has thrown for 1,167 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Colts this season.
Throughout his career, Flacco has 45,103 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, and 160 interceptions. Despite being over 40, he still has a wealth of expertise and information to share. If he’s still around next year — and he very well might be — the Bears could do much worse, especially if they decide to move Bagent. We’ll see how the next offseason goes, but Bagent’s time in Chicago could be limited.
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