There’s no love lost between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum despite the fact that the Chicago Bears are reportedly preferring the veteran quarterback over Bagent for the Week 4 Monday Night Football starting role.
Speaking recently to reporters, Bagent, however, declared he had no hard feelings about the decision.
“There’s a couple ways to think about it. Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me,” Bagent said. “But then there’s also the part that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this, and nobody is a bigger cheerleader and a fan of Case Keenum than I am.”
#Bears QB Tyson Bagent on missing MNF: “There’s a couple ways to think about it. Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me. But then there’s also the part that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this and nobody is a… pic.twitter.com/qgqAtbBlM9
— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) October 1, 2026
“I think he is the epitome of what I believe a quarterback is and is supposed to be,” Bagent added. “So it was fun to watch him play.”
Article Continues BelowKeenum delivered a strong performance in Chicago’s 27-7 victory over Philadelphia. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown. He did not throw an interception or take a sack.
That performance has made the Bears’ quarterback situation more complicated heading into Week 4 against the New York Jets. Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving head coach Ben Johnson to decide between Keenum and Bagent.
Bagent was listed as Williams’ primary backup on the depth chart after training camp, while Keenum was third. However, Keenum’s performance against Philadelphia has given Johnson another option to consider.
The Bears have not announced their Week 4 starter. Whoever gets the call against the Jets will take over an offense that enters the matchup without Williams, while Bagent remains ready if his number is called.