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Report: Cardinals are ‘intrigued’ by surprising QB

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 4:09 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals are likely to bring in a new quarterback this offseason, and may be setting their sights on a somewhat surprising choice.

The Cardinals are “intrigued” by Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 in Phoenix. The Cardinals would have to swing a trade for Bagent, who the Bears clearly value as a backup.

Have heard the Cardinals are intrigued by Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. He has one-year left on his deal so would have to trade for him. Grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia and went to Shepherd University. Was an undrafted free-agent who beat out PJ Walker for the backup job…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 17, 2026

The Bears valued Bagent enough to give him a $10 million contract prior to last season, a significant number for a backup quarterback. His only real playing experience came in 2023, when he went 2-2 as the starter on a 7-10 team with three touchdowns and six interceptions.

Arizona’s quarterback situation is unsettled for a number of reasons, but they may need to move Kyler Murray before they settle on Bagent or anyone else as his replacement. Murray has been linked to one team as a possible trade target, but his $42.5 million salary for 2026 could prove challenging to move.

Bagent, 25, was undrafted out of D-II Shepherd College. He has one year remaining on his contract.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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