The Arizona Cardinals may be in the market for a new quarterback, and Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent has emerged as a potential target, according to reports surfacing Tuesday. The speculation comes as the Cardinals appear poised to move on from longtime starter Kyler Murray, creating a need for depth and potentially a future replacement at the position. The possibility of a trade involving Bagent is gaining traction, though any deal would require the Bears to be willing to part with a player they’ve developed.
The initial report, shared by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, indicated the Cardinals are “intrigued” by Bagent, who is under contract through the 2027 season. Gambadoro noted Bagent’s journey from an undrafted free agent to earning a two-year, $10 million contract extension with Chicago after beating out PJ Walker for the backup role. Gambadoro’s credibility regarding Cardinals news was affirmed by sources who spoke with Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., who first reported the story on February 17, 2026.
Bagent’s path to the NFL is noteworthy. He grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and played college football at Shepherd University, an NCAA Division II school. His success in Chicago, despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, has clearly caught the attention of other teams, including the Cardinals, who are navigating a potential quarterback overhaul under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
The Cardinals’ interest in Bagent aligns with their apparent plans to either trade or release Kyler Murray. Adding Bagent to a quarterback room that already includes veteran Jacoby Brissett, who is signed through 2026, would provide LaFleur with multiple options as he builds his offense. Brissett’s experience combined with Bagent’s potential could offer a stable and competitive quarterback situation in Arizona.
Bears’ Perspective: Balancing Value and Need
While the Cardinals see potential in Bagent, the Chicago Bears aren’t necessarily eager to trade him away. The team clearly values his contributions and development, but they also recognize the potential benefit of acquiring draft capital for a player who arrived as an undrafted free agent. As Wiltfong Jr. Noted, the Bears are unlikely to accept just any offer, but a serious proposal from Arizona could prompt them to consider a deal.
The Bears invested in Bagent’s development, and his subsequent contract extension demonstrates their confidence in his abilities. Trading him would imply losing a player who has proven capable of stepping in when needed. However, the allure of adding a draft pick – a valuable asset in the NFL – could be enough to sway their decision, particularly if the Cardinals offer a pick that aligns with the Bears’ long-term rebuilding plans.
What Could a Trade Look Like?
Determining the value of a potential trade for Tyson Bagent is complex. He’s not a proven starter, but his contract and demonstrated potential make him a valuable asset. A likely scenario would involve the Cardinals offering a mid-round draft pick – potentially a third or fourth-rounder – in exchange for Bagent. The exact value would depend on the Cardinals’ assessment of his potential and their willingness to part with more significant assets.
The Bears, might seek a higher pick, especially if other teams also express interest in Bagent. They could also explore a trade that includes a conditional pick, where the value of the pick increases based on Bagent’s performance in Arizona. The trade will hinge on both teams finding a value that satisfies their respective needs and objectives.
The Larger Quarterback Landscape
The potential trade involving Bagent is part of a broader trend of quarterback movement across the NFL. Several teams are evaluating their options at the position, and the market for quarterbacks is expected to be active in the coming months. The Cardinals’ pursuit of Bagent reflects this trend, as they seek to locate a long-term solution at quarterback following the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s future.
The situation also highlights the importance of developing quarterbacks from within. Bagent’s success story demonstrates that teams can find valuable players outside of the draft, and his emergence as a potential trade target underscores the value of identifying and nurturing talent.
Have heard the Cardinals are intrigued by Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. He has one-year left on his deal so would have to trade for him. Grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia and went to Shepherd University. Was an undrafted free-agent who beat out PJ Walker for the backup job with Chicago and was so good the Bears signed him to a 2-year $10M extension.
— John Gambadoro (@JGambadoro) February 17, 2026
The next step in this developing story will likely be further communication between the Cardinals and the Bears. Whether those discussions lead to a formal offer remains to be seen. Fans of both teams will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, with the potential for a significant impact on both franchises’ quarterback situations. The NFL’s free agency period and draft are fast approaching, and the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the landscape of the league’s most important position.
What are your thoughts on a potential trade for Tyson Bagent? Share your opinions in the comments below.
