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Amid QB battle, best throw at Chicago Bears practice didn’t belong to Caleb Williams
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent throws a pass – Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The reports on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ performance at Wednesday’s practice vary from reporter to reporter. At best, Williams had an up-and-down day.

At worst, Mark Carman of CHGO is arguing that the second-year quarterback has a “long way” to go before he masters new head coach Ben Johnson’s offense. He suggested Williams’ play was erratic, from running out of bounds to throwing “weird sidearm passes to no one.”

While no one is expecting Williams’ job at QB1 to be in jeopardy this offseason, the Bears have one quarterback battle to keep an eye on this spring and summer. Chicago signed veteran Case Keenum to compete with third-year quarterback Tyson Bagent for the main backup job.

Chicago Bears QB Tyson Bagent had the throw of the day


NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent throws a pass – Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

During an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Hugh” Thursday, the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer was asked about the quarterback battle and if Keenum’s role was anything more than being a veteran tutor for Williams.

Wiederer said Keenum’s true role has yet to be decided, but noted that Bagent made the best pass of the day on a deep ball to new wide receiver Miles Boykin.

“We don’t know that yet,” Wiederer said of what the QB depth chart reads in May. “And obviously, I think (Keenum’s) a guy that’s here for the veteran guidance part of the equation. I will tell you that the best throw, single throw that I saw on the May 21st, Wednesday OTA practice was Tyson Bagent to Miles Boykin.

“So put that in your notebook as the best throw of the day yesterday.”

Bagent played significant time in his rookie season in 2023. He threw for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. He only threw for 11 yards in 2024.

One would assume, based on skill and age, Bagent (24) is the better quarterback option on the field for the Bears than Keenum (37).


NFL: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) celebrates with Texans CEO Cal McNair after an overtime win against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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