Everyone knows about rookie sensation Caleb Williams being QB1 for the Bears. What’s unknown is who will be the backup QB this season in Chicago. Tyson Bagent has performed well this preseason, plus a few games last year filling in for Justin Fields. Rookie Austin Reed also had a few shining moments during his preseason reps in Shane Waldron’s Offense. The man in question is entering his sixth NFL season, veteran QB Brett Rypien.
Rypien’s Path to The Bears Backup QB
Career backup QB Brett Rypien has spent most of his NFL career bouncing on and off practice squads, getting a few spot starts here and there. He spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos after they signed him as a UDFA out of Boise State in 2019. Since leaving the Broncos after the 2022 season, he had stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Jets all in 2023.
In March of 2024, Rypien signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears to come in and compete for the backup job behind the not yet drafted, Caleb Williams. Rypien has played a lot of football in his life. He was a four-year starter at Boise State amassing 13, 581 passing yards and 90 passing touchdowns in 49 starts. He is not a mobile quarterback, as he ended his college career with -102 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Rypien’s pro stats aren’t much better with 950 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 58.3 completion percentage across 10 games played. Most of those numbers came in three starts with the Denver Broncos and one with the L.A. Rams. GM Ryan Poles brought Rypien in to give him a chance to prove himself to be the backup QB, and it would appear that he has not discernably done that through four preseason games.
Bears Backup QB Stats Smash
Rypien had the most opportunities to throw the ball with 34 attempts, followed by Bagent with 25 and Reed with 16. Rypien led the group with three passing touchdowns, Bagent had two and Reed had one. Rypien also led with a 131.4 QBR, followed by Bagent with 119.9 and Reed with 117.4. Bagent led the way with 15 rushing yards on three attempts and one rushing touchdown, Brett Rypien had seven rush yards on five attempts and Austin Reed brought up the rear with eight attempts for one yard.
Conclusion
Caleb Williams is a mobile quarterback and OC Shane Waldron has tailored his offense to match that skill set. It makes sense to have a mobile backup QB to match that philosophy. The player to be the backup QB is Bagent. Brett Rypien may have had the better stats this preseason and more NFL experience, but he has proven his immobility repeatedly. Bagent is a fan-favorite player, whose famous father is a TV camera magnet in the stands. He’s mobile and he passes the eye test on the field. He has great command of the huddle for a backup QB.
The remaining question is which QB will be third string and get signed to the practice squad. Rookie QB out of Western Kentucky, Austin Reed is likely the cheapest option with the most room for development. Rypien has proven who he is as a player over his five seasons in the league. Rypien can do some nice things with his arm from the pocket, but he takes too many sacks and can not run the ball. Which direction will GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus take with the backup QB decision on the roster cut day?
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
