Devin Hester, who is recognized for his achievements with the Chicago Bears, has expressed support for Ben Johnson as the team’s new head coach. Hester believes Johnson can improve the Bears’ offense.
This development comes as the Bears secure backup quarterback Tyson Bagent with a two-year contract extension reportedly worth $10 million through the 2027 season. Incentives could raise the value to $16 million.
Bagent joined the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. In college at Shepherd University, he set records for passing yards and touchdowns in Division II history and won the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2021.
During his time with the Bears, Bagent has performed well in preseason games. In his most recent game against the Buffalo Bills, he completed 13 of 22 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. Across two seasons, he has played in nine games and started four last year. He currently holds a completion rate of 66.2%, with three touchdowns and six interceptions over 870 passing yards.
Praise from team leadership was clear regarding Bagent’s performance and work ethic. Head coach Ben Johnson described him as “phenomenal” and “smart as a whip,” while general manager Ryan Poles stated, “There isn’t a harder worker on this football team than Tyson Bagent.” These comments underscore why Bagent earned his contract extension.
The agreement makes Bagent one of the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the league by average annual value, ranking him seventh among backups. This places him ahead of established players like Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns. Notably, Bagent’s extension is unusual; only one other current backup quarterback in the NFL received an extension before completing their previous contract term.
By extending Bagent’s contract and appointing Johnson as head coach, the Bears demonstrate their intention to strengthen their roster ahead of the regular season.
