The top spot on the Bears’ quarterback depth chart, as confirmed by their handling of the 2023 offseason, belongs to Justin Fields. Despite the identity of his backup appearing clear before training camp and the preseason began, that may not be the case. 
Chicago inked P.J. Walker to a two-year deal including $2MM guaranteed in free agency. That move seemed to place the 28-year-old in prime position to secure the QB2 role behind Fields, but camp practices and exhibition contests have not seen Walker perform well enough to cement his status with the team. That has opened the door to a competition for the job.
“I would just say everything is open right now, and it’s not just that position, it’s every position,” head coach Matt Eberflus said when asked about Walker and the quarterback spot. “If the guy is in a competition, everybody can look at the roster and see who’s in a competition. Those are all going to be open. I think if you close your mind off to that, you might be missing on something” (Twitter links via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune).
While Walker has underperformed so far during the summer, undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent has drawn attention for his play when given an opportunity. The latter completed nine of 10 passes for 76 scoreless passing yards during last night’s preseason game against the Colts, adding a rushing touchdown. That could point to a degree of upside compared to Walker, who started seven games in Carolina (including five in 2022) and struggled to put up noteworthy numbers across his three-year Panthers tenure.
Nathan Peterman is also in the fold for the Bears, meaning he could be a QB2 candidate depending on how the remainder of August plays out. Chicago made a low-cost investment in Peterman for the second straight year this offseason, after the former Bills draftee made three appearances and one start in 2022. The Bears’ final preseason contest will no doubt go a long way in determining the final pecking order under center. As things currently stand, though, Walker’s grip on the backup spot does not appear to be a firm one.
Bagent and Getsy must have had a pretty good experience at the Senior Bowl when Getsy coached him. Walker looks like he’s having a real problem with the offense. The thing I like most about Bagent is at no time have I seen him flustered or rattled which for a 1st year QB is unusual. During the whole time he’s been out there he just looks like he’s out on Sunday playing with his buddies for laughs. I’m not sure what he can become, All i know is they need to do everything they can do to keep him around. They say the key is to adjust to the speed of the game, Well this kid seems to make it go in slow motion.
Hopefully Eberflus (and Poles) don’t screw this up. If this kid doesn’t make the 53 man roster, he’ll get snatched off the practice squad so fast their heads will spin.
I like how in Indy at the goal line he just tucked it and ran..Did not hesitate.
Is it me or did Tyson Bagent remind me of looking like a young Mike Tomczak last night with his helmet on. Yet he threw the ball better than so many backup QBs the Bears have ever seemed to suit up over the years.
since there starting Quarterback is in the bottom half of the league is there backup on the waiver wire during cut down day
You must be one of the uninformed Packer fans Justin Jones was talking about.
Fields is better than he’s often given credit for, in my opinion. His rushing ability alone makes him valuable. Some of the same stones thrown Justin Fields’ way were once throw Jalen Hurts’ way. He needs to be given weapons to be judged as a passer.
Bagent is a boss
Peterman lol
How does the Peterman stay employed in the NFL??
Nathan Peterman has made $4.5 million so far in his career.
I would take that.
People shouldn’t be shocked with how Bagent has played so far. A number of draft experts and blogs had him being drafted somewhere around the 5th round. The kid put up stupid numbers in college ( granted D2 ) but none the less he has a great arm and sees the game in slow motion.
It may sound a bit silly, but as a UDFA maybe he does not have that kind of pressure a draft pick has as a QB….
A backup QB competition in Chicago is going to impact the Bears season about as much as having a competition for team mascot.
I hope you’re right.
But Fields missed a few games last year. Takes a lot of hits when he’s rushing. Plus their LG is likely going to miss time to start the season. And a rookie starting at RG (although by all accounts a good one).
That backup might be more important than you think.
Not really important at all. If we need a backup the seasons over anyways. Where The hell you think this team goes without Fields? Also, the rookie is at RT, not RG Dexxter . His names Darnell Wright