‘He’s taking this seriously’ — Tyson Bagent gets set to test-drive Ben Johnson’s offense in preseason opener against the Dolphins
The third-year QB is set to lead the offense on Sunday while Caleb Williams and other starters sit out.
As the Chicago Bears get set for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed quarterback Caleb Williams and a few other starters on both sides of the ball will not be playing in the preseason opener.
That means third-year quarterback Tyson Bagent will lead the new-look Bears offense onto Solider Field this weekend with a fresh opportunity to show what he can do on the field. Johnson confirmed on Friday that Bagent is expected to lead the offense through the first-half.
Over the past two seasons, Bagent has been a preseason darling for the Bears and is in line to do so once again in 2025 despite having to learn his third offensive scheme in three years.
Because of his unwavering determination, the former UDFA out of Shepherd University has turned into a fan favorite and someone all the coaches have consistently been impressed with.
“He’s been phenomenal,” head coach Ben Johnson said of Bagent. “He’s smart as a whip. I appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a room — meeting room, walk-thru, it doesn’t matter — he’s locked in, he’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him.”
One teammate in particular who’s seen Bagent’s growth throughout the offseason first-hand has been veteran quarterback Case Keenum, who’s been competing for the QB2 role alongside Bagent.
As a former UDFA himself, Keenum’s hard work and determination cultivated an 11-year career as a starter, backup, and mentor. After just a few months being in the building with the Bears, Keenum already can see a similar path unfolding for Bagent’s career in the league.
“I think Tyson’s having a really, really good camp,” Keenum explained. “I think he’s made a step forward from the spring. He’s picking up this offense excellent. He is sharp. He is really, really smart… He knows the playbook like the back of his hand. I’ve been very impressed with him. He’s athletic, and haven’t even really see him probably do what he’s really, really good at in escaping rush, making plays outside the pocket. During practice, it’s been a lot of within-the-pocket, within-the-timing of the play, making some really accurate plays down the field. I think he’s gonna play a long time in this league.”
During his first two seasons in Chicago, Bagent has acquired foundational experience that helped prepare him for an advanced offense and coaching style now that he’s working with Ben Johnson.
“Just really for me, it’s simple, there’s no BSing going on right now,” Bagent said. “I like to have as much fun as I possibly can outside of this building, but when I’m here, I’m pretty much full steam ahead, what are we going to do today, what are we going to accomplish, and looking at him. Whether it’s getting a play from him, talking to him between plays, he’s right there with me intensity-wise. Which is all you can ask for from a head coach.”
When it comes to Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, it’ll be another opportunity for Bagent to put his physical skills on display against a live defense in a real game environment, something he hasn’t really been able to showcase since the preseason finale in 2024.
On Tuesday, Johnson mentioned Bagent’s mobility as an added factor to his game, but appreciates how he’s been handling the preparation to run the offense from a mental standpoint.
“Love the fact that he’ll throw the ball and he keeps working through his progressions,” Johnson added. “I think he’s taking this seriously. He’s preparing the right way, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s here with us.”
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