Bears QB Caleb Williams Faces Make-or-Break Moment as Chicago Secures Depth with Tyson Bagent Extension
The Chicago Bears quarterback room is under the spotlight after a turbulent start to the NFL season. With rookie Caleb Williams facing growing scrutiny, the team has moved quickly to solidify its depth by extending backup Tyson Bagent, while also adding veteran Case Keenum. As the Bears prepare for a pivotal clash against the Dallas Cowboys, questions are mounting about whether their highly touted starter can find consistency—or if changes could come sooner than expected.
Bears QB Situation: Williams Under Pressure, Bagent Locked In
The Bears QB story this season has been dominated by Caleb Williams, who opened with 417 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception across the first two games. While the numbers hint at promise, inconsistency in timing and accuracy has raised concerns.
To secure stability, Chicago signed Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million extension, with incentives potentially pushing the deal to $16 million, keeping him with the team until 2027. In addition, the Bears brought in veteran Case Keenum to add experience and a safety net to the quarterback room.
Chicago Bears Quarterback Depth Chart (2025):
| Quarterback | Contract Status | Role/Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | Rookie Deal | Starter, development focus |
| Tyson Bagent | Extended through 2027 | Trusted backup, potential challenger |
| Case Keenum | Short-term signing | Veteran insurance option |
Could the Bears QB Be Benched?
NFL insiders are beginning to speculate whether Caleb Williams could lose his starting job if his struggles continue. The main issues highlighted include:
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Footwork inconsistencies leading to errant throws.
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Decision-making under pressure, with turnovers in critical moments.
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Lack of cadence control, compared to Dak Prescott’s ability to manage defenses before and after the snap.
Meanwhile, Tyson Bagent has impressed coaches with his poise and understanding of Ben Johnson’s offensive system, making him a viable candidate should the Bears decide a switch is necessary.
Cowboys Game Looms as Defining Test
The upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is being billed as the most important game of Williams’s young career.
Key stakes for the Bears QB include:
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Avoiding a potential 0-3 start, which historically devastates playoff hopes.
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Facing a defense coordinated by former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who knows the Chicago system well.
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Responding to internal pressure, as coaches and teammates are closely monitoring his preparation, practice habits, and execution.
If Williams falters, the calls for Bagent to take the reins could grow louder.
Improvement Areas for Caleb Williams
For Williams to cement his status as the Bears QB, several areas require immediate attention:
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Footwork and Rhythm
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His strongest throws come within 2.5–4 seconds of the snap when his mechanics are clean. Outside this window, performance declines sharply.
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Reading Defenses Under Duress
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Williams must improve his ability to recognize and counter blitzes, avoiding forced passes that lead to turnovers.
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Pre-Snap Command
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Head coach Ben Johnson has emphasized the importance of controlling the cadence, aligning Williams with the level of quarterbacks like Dak Prescott who can dictate defensive reactions.
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Outlook: Can the Bears QB Bounce Back?
The Bears QB situation is at a crossroads. Williams is still seen as the long-term answer, but the franchise has insulated itself with depth by extending Bagent and signing Keenum. If Williams delivers a composed and efficient performance against Dallas, it could stabilize his role and silence doubts.
However, another poor showing may accelerate discussions about a potential quarterback change. For now, the Bears remain committed to developing their rookie, but with Bagent waiting in the wings and Keenum providing veteran experience, Chicago has options if patience runs out.
