Who Is Tyson Bagent?
Tyson Bagent is a quarterback who has spent time in the NFL and lower-level professional leagues, most recently associated with the Chicago Bears. Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, he played college football at Shepherd University, where he set single-season and career passing records before declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Bagent went undrafted and later signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent, earning a spot on the practice squad and, for a period, the active roster. This profile covers his background, college production, NFL timeline, and what to know about his professional trajectory.
College Career at Shepherd
Key Stats and Records
At Shepherd University, Bagent became one of the most prolific passers in Division II history. In 2021, he led the nation in passing yards and touchdowns, completing 366 of 549 passes for 4,787 yards and 58 touchdowns. Over his two years as a starter, he totaled 8,118 passing yards and 98 touchdowns against 25 interceptions. His performance earned him the CIAA Player of the Year award and multiple All-American selections.
College Statistics Summary
| Season | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 366 | 549 | .667 | 4,787 | 58 | 10 |
| 2020 | 171 | 260 | .658 | 2,461 | 27 | 15 |
2022 NFL Draft and Undrafted Free Agent Deal
Bagent entered the 2022 NFL Draft with strong tape and national exposure but went undrafted. He was subsequently signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent and appeared on their official roster during the 2022 offseason. Although he did not make the initial 53-man roster out of training camp, he was signed to the practice squad, where he remained for a significant portion of the season.
Chicago Bears Roster Timeline and Active Roster Stint
In 2022, the Chicago Bears moved Bagent from the practice squad to the active roster in late November, providing depth at quarterback behind starter Justin Fields. He dressed as the third-string quarterback for a Week 13 game but did not attempt a pass. He spent additional weeks on the active roster and practice squad across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. As of the most recent offseason, Bagent has been listed among the Bears’ veteran quarterback group, though he remains a backup and depth option.
Physical and Athletic Attributes
Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 218 pounds, Bagent combines size and mobility for a quarterback with limited NFL experience. His college background as a dual-threat passer-runner informs his pocket presence and ability to extend plays. While arm strength is considered average for the NFL, his accuracy on intermediate routes and ability to make first downs when pressured are noted traits.
Comparisons and Depth Chart Context
Within the Bears’ quarterback room, Bagent is positioned as a developmental backup and short-yardage/emergency option. His route-running is efficient but not refined for NFL downfield concepts, and his playbook knowledge continues to develop through repetition with the coaching staff. In training camp and preseason, he has focused on consistency, decision-making, and reducing turnovers while competing for the third-string role.
What to Know About Tyson Bagent Moving Forward
Bagent remains an active quarterback in the NFL landscape, likely to spend the near term on a practice squad or as a depth option behind established starters. His path forward depends on performance in preseason, health, and the Bears’ decisions at the quarterback position. For fans and analysts, he represents a player with high college ceilings and ongoing development needs at the next level.