Ty Simpson’s bizarre first-round landing spot just increased the chances of Tyson Bagent getting traded by the Chicago Bears
The Los Angeles Rams made the most shocking decision of the first-round by drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, leaving a division rival in the Arizona Cardinals scrambling for another option.
The first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and the Chicago Bears were thrilled with their selection of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. It was a surprise to see the do-it-all defender fall to pick No. 25 but the biggest surprise of the night involved the Los Angeles Rams.
With the 13th overall pick in the first-round, the Rams made a move for the future by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who now becomes the heir apparent behind future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford.
Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned the Rams were high on Simpson prior to trading for Trent McDuffie and after that move it seemed insane to imagine such a possibility still unfolding. Yet, what’s done is done, and the Rams left a divisional rival in the Arizona Cardinals scrambling for a new quarterback option.
Arizona was reportedly high on Simpson and rumored to move up in the first-round from the 34th overall pick to take him if he started to slide. Now that they got sniped, the Cardinals could turn their attention back to another quarterback option in Chicago.
Tyson Bagent trade interest from the Arizona Cardinals can heat back up on Day 2
During the NFL Combine, general manager Ryan Poles confirmed teams were in contact with Chicago regarding the availability of backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. The lead team involved was the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bears expressed strong interest in holding onto Bagent and reportedly placed a high price to consider moving him. At the same time, the Bears want what’s best for Bagent’s career and his potential to one day be a starter in this league.
“If I took myself out of the equation, I want what’s best for him,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said of Bagent at the NFL Combine. “If he would like an opportunity to start, I certainly hope he can get that at some point.”
Armed with the 34th overall pick in the second-round and the 65th overall pick in the third-round, the Cardinals could attempt to make a strong push for Bagent. It’s clear new head coach Mike LaFleur is steering toward the future with this offense after drafting running back Jeremiyah Love third overall.
It’d be hard to see LaFleur comfortable rolling with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew as his top two options at quarterback for 2026. The rest of the QB class is also bleak after Mendoza and Simpson.
Arizona’s best bet at acquiring a high-upside, young, passer is working out a deal to land Bagent by the end of the day.
As for Chicago, the Bears could seriously use the additional Day 2 selection they’d get in return and prepared for this possibility by re-signing veteran Case Keenum to backup quarterback Caleb Williams in 2026.
