The journey of Tyson Bagent, an American quarterback from Division II Shepherd University, to signing with the NFL’s Chicago Bears is a remarkable story of persistence and talent. His contract, valued at $2.72 million over three years, represents a significant step forward for an undrafted player. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of Bagent’s contract, his background, achievements, and potential future impact in the NFL.
Contract Details and Financial Breakdown
Tyson Bagent Contract Details
Tyson Bagent signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears in 2023, which holds a total value of $2.72 million. For a player undrafted in 2023, this contract signals the Bears’ confidence in his potential, considering that undrafted players generally secure more modest deals. The contract includes a base salary of $915,000 in its first year, with an additional cap hit of $923,333 and a dead cap value of $16,667.
This structure allows Bagent a steady salary while providing the Bears some financial flexibility in managing their cap space. Given Bagent’s undrafted status, his contract doesn’t carry the same financial commitment that higher draft picks receive, but it does offer him a solid foundation as he begins his career.
Bagent Background: From Division II Standout to NFL Quarterback
Bagent’s path to the NFL is unique. As a standout at Division II Shepherd University, he caught attention for his impressive statistics and strong arm. At Shepherd, Bagent amassed 17,034 passing yards and 159 passing touchdowns—a performance that made him a formidable player in college football. While Division II players don’t often gain the same level of national attention as those in Division I, Bagent’s accomplishments, particularly his accuracy and resilience under pressure, set him apart.
Family Influence and Support
Football runs deep in the Bagent family. Tyson’s father, Travis Bagent, has supported his son’s journey while also having his own claim to fame as a professional arm-wrestler. This background of competitiveness and determination has shaped Tyson’s approach to his career, helping him overcome the challenges that come with being an undrafted player in the NFL.
Tyson Bagent Personal Side: Tattoos, Family, and Support Network
Bagent has a strong personal connection to his family, highlighted by the two Welsh-language tattoos on his chest. These tattoos honor his grandfather, Dave Humphreys, showing Bagent’s deep respect for his roots. Additionally, Bagent’s relationship with Maggie Litzinger, his girlfriend, has been a source of stability and support as he transitions to the NFL.
Bagent’s Role with the Bears
Bagent’s contract and place on the Bears’ roster signal the team’s interest in his potential as a backup quarterback. His performance in preseason games earned him the position of backup quarterback behind starter Justin Fields, a testament to the Bears’ faith in his abilities. Given the physical nature of the NFL and the high turnover rate for players, Bagent’s role as a backup positions him for possible starting opportunities should Fields face injuries or need support during the season.
Contractual Potential and Future Earnings
The Bears structured Bagent’s contract to include performance-based incentives. These bonuses could increase his earnings if he meets or exceeds certain benchmarks, such as throwing a specific number of touchdowns or contributing to the team’s wins. As a result, Bagent has both the security of a base salary and the potential for additional financial rewards if his performance meets the Bears’ expectations.
Future Prospects in the NFL
Looking ahead, Bagent’s current contract could be the foundation for more significant opportunities. If he proves to be a reliable backup or even steps into a starting role, his market value could grow substantially. Other undrafted players have shown that strong performances early on can lead to more lucrative contracts, and Bagent may be on the same path.
The Unique Path of an Undrafted Player
Tyson Bagent’s story is a testament to the potential for undrafted players to make a mark in the NFL. His journey from a Division II school to the NFL, along with the family support, personal drive, and modest but strategically structured contract, exemplifies the value that undrafted players can bring to a team. Tyson Bagent’s contract with the Bears is both a commitment to his growth and a calculated bet on his ability to make an impact on the field.
With this three-year, $2.72 million contract, Bagent has an opportunity to grow with the Bears and showcase his abilities, both of which could set him on a path for a longer NFL career and higher earnings in the future Fame Light.