Tyson Bagent Contract Extension: Latest Update
Tyson Bagent has become one of the more interesting backup quarterbacks in the NFL after taking an unusual path from Division II football to the Chicago Bears.
The Bears rewarded Bagent in August 2025 by signing him to a two-year contract extension worth $10 million. The deal keeps him under contract through the 2027 season and includes incentives that can increase its value to as much as $16 million.
The extension was significant because Bagent entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Instead of simply fighting for another roster spot, he earned the organization’s confidence through his preparation, performance and value as a backup quarterback.
As of the 2026 season, Bagent remains part of Chicago’s quarterback room behind Caleb Williams. His value was again evident during the 2026 preseason finale, when he completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-15 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Who Is Tyson Bagent?
Tyson Bagent is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL.
Bagent was born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and developed into a highly productive high school quarterback. He attended Martinsburg High School and finished his high school career with approximately 7,800 passing yards and 112 touchdown passes.
Despite those impressive numbers, Bagent did not receive the level of major-college attention normally associated with such production. He ultimately continued his football career at Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia.
His story became even more remarkable after he went undrafted in 2023 and earned a place with the Bears as an undrafted free agent.
Was Tyson Bagent Drafted?
No. Tyson Bagent was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2023.
His lack of a draft selection was surprising considering his college production. Bagent was one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history at Shepherd.
NFL scouting concerns included questions about his arm strength and throwing mechanics. Some evaluators believed his physical tools were not enough to justify selecting him during the draft.
However, Bagent turned the disappointment into an opportunity.
He made the Bears’ roster and eventually became the first undrafted rookie quarterback since at least 1960 to start a game for Chicago.
Tyson Bagent’s College Career
Bagent spent five seasons at Shepherd University from 2018 through 2022.
His final college season was especially impressive. He completed 400 of 572 passes for 4,580 yards and 41 touchdowns, while posting a .699 completion percentage.
Bagent also finished his Shepherd career as the NCAA all-divisions leader in career touchdown passes with 159, a remarkable accomplishment for a Division II quarterback.
His college résumé included:
- Shepherd University quarterback from 2018-2022
- 159 career touchdown passes
- 4,580 passing yards in his final season
- 41 touchdown passes in his final season
- First-team All-PSAC East honors
- PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year
- Division II All-American recognition
- 2023 Senior Bowl participant
His production eventually forced NFL teams to take notice, even though he ultimately went undrafted.
Tyson Bagent’s NFL Career
Bagent signed with the Bears in 2023 and quickly became one of the league’s more recognizable undrafted quarterback stories.
He made his NFL debut during the 2023 season after Justin Fields suffered an injury. Bagent subsequently received his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders and helped Chicago to a 30-12 victory.
In that game, Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception.
He eventually made four starts as a rookie and finished the season with a 2-2 record as a starter.
Since then, Bagent has primarily served as a backup, giving Chicago an experienced option behind its starting quarterback.
The Bears’ decision to give him a substantial extension demonstrated how highly the organization values that role.
Why Did the Bears Give Tyson Bagent an Extension?
Bagent’s contract extension was about more than his statistics.
A dependable backup quarterback provides insurance at one of the NFL’s most important positions. Bagent already understands the Bears’ environment, has NFL starting experience and has shown that he can step into games when needed.
Chicago general manager Ryan Poles praised Bagent’s work ethic, competitiveness and influence within the organization when the extension was announced. Head coach Ben Johnson similarly pointed to Bagent as an example of the team’s culture.
The contract therefore gave Bagent financial security while allowing the Bears to retain a quarterback they trusted.
How Much Is Tyson Bagent’s Contract Worth?
Bagent’s extension is worth $10 million over two years, with incentives capable of raising the maximum value to $16 million.
According to contract data, the agreement has an average annual value of $5 million.
The contract represents a major financial step for a player who entered the league without being drafted.
It also illustrates how quickly an NFL player’s financial situation can change after proving himself as a reliable backup.
Who Is Tyson Bagent’s Father?
Tyson Bagent’s father is Travis Bagent, a highly accomplished professional arm wrestler.
Travis is widely known by the nickname “The Beast” and has won numerous national and world arm-wrestling championships. He also owns a CrossFit gym, where Tyson grew up around strength training and athletic competition.
Travis also has a football connection. He played baseball at Shepherd and graduated from the university in 1999, while Tyson’s mother, Casey, is also a Shepherd graduate.
Tyson Bagent’s Father and His NFL Journey
Travis has been an important influence on Tyson’s development.
Tyson has described his father as his “right-hand man.” When discussing his 2025 contract extension, Bagent became emotional while talking about what the new deal meant for his family.
He explained that his father grew up without running water until he was in high school. For Bagent, therefore, the contract represented much more than a professional achievement. It represented an opportunity to provide greater security for the people who supported him throughout his journey.
That family connection has become one of the most memorable parts of Bagent’s rise from an overlooked college quarterback to an NFL player.
Tyson Bagent’s Family Background
Bagent is the oldest of four children born to Travis and Casey Bagent.
His family has strong ties to Shepherd University, where both of his parents attended and where Travis also played baseball.
Growing up around athletics helped Bagent develop a competitive mentality. His father’s career in arm wrestling also meant that strength, discipline and competition were part of his environment from an early age.
Still, Bagent’s football career ultimately developed through his own performances at Martinsburg High School and Shepherd.
Tyson Bagent’s 2026 Status
Bagent enters the 2026 season as an important member of the Chicago Bears’ quarterback depth chart.
Recent preseason action reinforced why Chicago values him. In the Bears’ final preseason game against Tennessee, Bagent was highly efficient, completing 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears have also reportedly received trade interest in Bagent but have declined those approaches, another indication of his value to the organization.
For now, his role remains that of a backup quarterback, but his previous starting experience makes him more than an ordinary No. 2.
Final Thoughts
Tyson Bagent’s journey is one of the NFL’s better examples of an undrafted player earning his opportunity.
He was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, yet he went from Shepherd University to the Bears’ roster, made NFL starts and eventually earned a two-year, $10 million contract extension through 2027.
His father, Travis Bagent, has also played a major role in his story. A decorated arm wrestler known as “The Beast,” Travis helped instill the competitive mentality that has followed Tyson throughout his football career.
Bagent’s story is therefore about more than one contract. It is about how an overlooked Division II quarterback turned an undrafted opportunity into a long-term NFL career.
FAQs About Tyson Bagent
Is Tyson Bagent drafted?
No. Tyson Bagent went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft before signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
What is Tyson Bagent’s contract extension?
Bagent signed a two-year, $10 million extension with the Bears in August 2025. The deal can reportedly reach $16 million with incentives.
How long is Tyson Bagent under contract?
His extension keeps him with the Chicago Bears through the 2027 season.
Who is Tyson Bagent’s father?
His father is Travis Bagent, a professional arm wrestler and multiple-time world champion known as “The Beast.”
Where did Tyson Bagent play college football?
Bagent played college football at Shepherd University in West Virginia from 2018 through 2022.
Is Tyson Bagent a starter for the Bears?
Bagent is primarily a backup quarterback for Chicago, but he has NFL starting experience and has previously started games for the Bears.
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