Speculation has arisen concerning a potential player exchange involving Tyson Bagent, the Chicago Bears' reserve quarterback, and Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts. Despite Bagent's impressive ascent through the ranks since his undrafted rookie season in 2023, culminating in a two-year, $10 million contract, expert opinions cast doubt on the viability and strategic wisdom of such a trade for the Bears.
Hypothetical Trade Scrutinized: Tyson Bagent and Anthony Richardson
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, ESPN's Dan Graziano introduced a series of theoretical NFL trades, among them a proposition suggesting the Chicago Bears acquire Anthony Richardson in exchange for their backup quarterback, Tyson Bagent. The Bears' general manager, Ryan Poles, has publicly acknowledged the team's high regard for Bagent, describing any decision regarding his future as "really tough." Head coach Ben Johnson also holds Bagent in high esteem, believing he possesses the potential to be a starter for another franchise. However, the proposed trade has been met with considerable skepticism by football analysts. The main point of contention is Richardson’s recent history of injuries and his subsequent loss of a starting role to Daniel Jones. Given these factors, a direct swap of quarterbacks where Chicago would potentially downgrade its backup position is viewed as an unfavorable outcome. The Bears, who already have veteran Case Keenum behind Caleb Williams, would not benefit from trading an established and respected backup for a player with recent setbacks.
This discussion highlights the intricate balance teams must strike when evaluating player assets and potential trade opportunities. While Bagent's performance and perceived value have grown, the strategic implications of trading for a player like Richardson, who faces questions about durability and starting potential, seem to outweigh any perceived benefits for the Bears. The club is unlikely to make a move that weakens its roster, especially at a critical position like backup quarterback.
