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Aug 30, 2023

Bears could tap Tyson Bagent as backup QB after PJ Walker cut

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. P.J. Walker was only a few months into a two-year contract that he signed with the Chicago Bears when it came out that they had decided to cut

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

P.J. Walker was only a few months into a two-year contract that he signed with the Chicago Bears when it came out that they had decided to cut him.

The surprising move means that Division II standout Tyson Bagent could go into the regular season as the favorite to win the No. 2 QB spot behind Justin Fields.

Walker had struggled during training camp while Bagent usurped Nathan Peterman on the quarterback depth chart.

Walker, who was inconsistent during camp and the preseason, completed 11 of his 23 pass attempts during the preseason, with a touchdown and a QB rating of 55.7.

“I ain’t a fool,” Walker said on Saturday, according to ESPN. “I can read the room. I know what it is. It’s a business, and if you ain’t performing, you ain’t going to be able to play. So, for me it’s just go out there, perform at a high level or you don’t play. That’s what it is.”

The now-free agent had originally signed with the Bears on a two-year, $4.15 million deal with $2 million guaranteed.

Walker had been brought in with the expectation that he would take the No. 2 job.

However, Bagent stood out during camp and in the preseason, even coming in off the bench first during the preseason finale.

Walker was only brought into the game in the fourth quarter.

“I feel as if I’ve proved that I belong and that I belong in the league,” Bagent said on Saturday. “But I think more than anything just all the hope and motivation I’m providing for my siblings and the people back home is really what I kind of sit back and think about when I think about just the whole camp and preseason and how just everything is falling into place.”

During his time playing for Shepherd, Bagent set the NCAA all-time record for passing touchdowns with 159 and he won the 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy given to the most valuable player in Division II.

The Bears could try and bring in some outside help, but with the decision to cut Walker, Bagent is the Heir apparent to take the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.