Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent breaks down in tears over contract extension
19, Jul 2026CHICAGO — Quarterback Tyson Bagent was overcome with emotion as he spoke to reporters after signing a two-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears, reportedly worth $10 million.
But it wasn’t just the security he was given with the team, it was what the good he could do with his new salary that brought him to tears.
“A lot of people don’t know this but, you know, my dad he’s my right-hand man and he didn’t have running water until he was in high school,” Bagent told reporters. “There’s definitely a lot of things and people that I think I can certainly help with this gift I’ve been blessed with. Just little things like that. I don’t really know anybody back at home with any money.”
The team made the announcement on Wednesday as it continues preparations for its final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, CHGO Sports and others reported the deal is for $10 million, with incentives potentially pushing the value to $16 million.
“We are fortunate to ensure that Tyson remains a member of the Chicago Bears,” said General Manager Ryan Poles in a statement. “He is one of the hardest workers on our team and, in addition to being a great competitor and teammate, he is a catalyst for positive influence throughout our entire organization.”
“It feels good,” Bagent said. “Certainly a weight off my shoulders and my family’s shoulders... definitely means a lot.”
Bagent, who joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Shepherd before the 2023 season, has appeared in nine games for the Bears, including five appearances during his rookie campaign. He threw for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions on 143 attempts that season.
Last year, he appeared in four games, completing two passes for 11 yards.
The Bears brought in Case Keenum on a contract during training camp, but Bagent had a strong game against the Buffalo Bills, throwing for 196 yards and a touchdown. He has impressed the team’s coaching staff through training camp, and he’ll now be locked in as Caleb Williams’ backup this season.
“Tyson epitomizes what we are building at the Chicago Bears,” head coach Ben Johnson said in a statement. “We are constructing a team that is driven by belief and built by hard work, and there is no better example of that than Tyson Bagent.”
