NFC foe is reportedly intrigued about stealing a fan favorite out of Chicago, and why it should be a hard rejection from the Bears

Tyson Bagent might finally get the opportunity to show what he can do as a starting quarterback in 2026.

Kole Noble — Chicago Bears News Writer
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Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) practices against the New Orleans Saints before the game at Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) practices against the New Orleans Saints before the game at Soldier Field. Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have a lot of positions of need going into this offseason and other positions that could be a lot higher of a priority depending on how the next few weeks go (i.e. releasing LB Tremaine Edmunds or trading WR DJ Moore).

One position the Bears absolutely feel confident about is the quarterback position with Caleb Williams as the starter and Tyson Bagent as the backup. However, one team is considering shaking that position up and it should be a decision the Bears should avoid making.

Cardinals reportedly ‘intrigued’ by Bears QB Tyson Bagent as a replacement for Kyler Murray

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the Arizona Cardinals are reportedly “intrigued” by trading for Bagent to be the team’s potential starting quarterback in 2026. First, Arizona would have to make a decision on former first overall pick Kyler Murray.

Murray’s days in Arizona seemingly are over and all that awaits is whether or not the Cardinals can bait another team into trading for him before out-right releasing him and just eating the remainder of his contract. Regardless, moving on is inevitable this offseason and new head coach Mike LaFleur will be in need of a new quarterback.

The options in the draft aren’t flattering beyond expected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza and the expected free agent class is headlined by Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, and Trey Lance.

The Cardinals are smart by considering possible trade options because even the free agent group is slim pickings that would cost way to much. Bagent, despite his limited starting experience, would be an ideal target for a team looking to acquire a young, cheap, and athletic quarterback.

Bagent signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Bears last offseason, a sign of support from the organization in his ability to be a high-level backup. That extension kicks in this season, meaning he’s under contract through 2027. The Bears should have no reason to consider moving him before then and frankly the offer wouldn’t even be enticing enough.

What would this mean for the Bears and what would it take to entertain such a trade

Let’s take a look at some of the recent QB trades in the NFL to get an idea of what the Cardinals could potentially offer for Bagent to get some recent context.

  • Joe Flacco: Traded from CLE alongside a 2026 6th round pick for 2026 5th round pick
  • Kenny Pickett: Traded from CLE for a 2026 5th round pick
  • Sam Howell: Traded from MIN alongside a 2026 6th round pick for 2026 5th round pick and 2027 7th round pick
  • Geno Smith: Traded from SEA for a 2025 3rd round pick
  • Justin Fields: Traded from CHI for a conditional 2025 6th round pick

The only trade that didn’t involve a Day 3 pick in return was Geno Smith, a veteran and experienced quarterback going to a starting situation with the Raiders. Even Justin Fields didn’t net a Day 2 selection for the Bears when he was traded to Pittsburgh.

This idea that the Bears could get a second or third-round pick for Bagent is ridiculous because there’s no way Arizona would realistically offer that. If they did, sure I’d make that deal. But, an offer to acquire Bagent for anything less should be met with an immediate rejection.

As for the quarterback position if the Cardinals do swoop in with an insane offer, the Bears could easily then re-sign quarterback Case Keenum to continue working behind Williams while offering the team a veteran backup. It’ll be fascinating to see what happens, but it’s highly likely the Bears turn down any offer the Cardinals could send over.

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