Chicago Bears depth chart says Peterman QB2, but Bears say they’re still undecided originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
He Bears I still won’t commit to either of you Nathan Petermann either tyson bagent as their backup quarterback, but they’ve hinted which way they lean as Week 1 against the Packers approaches. In the team’s first official depth chart of the season, they have Peterman listed as QB2.
“We haven’t made a final decision, but that’s what we’re leaning towards now for this first game,” the head coach said. Matt Eberflus. “We’ll see where it goes over the course of the week and we certainly reserve the right to make any necessary adjustments in the future.”
Going into training camp, it looked like the acquisition of free agent PJ Walker was destined to be a backup. justin fields this year. General manager Ryan Poles signed him to a two-year contract worth more than $4 million, with more than $2 million guaranteed, according to Spotrac. But Walker struggled all summer, and the Bears opted to cut ties with Walker and move on with Peterman and Bagent.
That has led to a healthy debate about who should be the man to take over if Fields is out. Should the team go with Peterman, the guy who has six years of NFL experience but has a lower ceiling? Or do they go with Bagent, Shepherd’s D-II phenom who impressed enough to earn a roster spot but is still learning how to go pro?
For now, the prudent move seems to be to use Peterman as a primary backup, especially early in the season as Bagent continues to support him. But if Fields misses an extended period of time, or if he leaves closer to the middle or end of the year, the decision might be to give Bagent a chance. After all, the rookie undrafted free agent has done nothing but exceed expectations thus far. If the team knows Fields will be out for several weeks and has time to prepare for another QB to take over, why not give Bagent a chance to show what he’s got? Bagent is on this team because he has proven that he belongs in the NFL and it’s up to the Bears to develop him. The best way to help Bagent grow and evaluate him in the future is to watch him play on Sundays.