The Chicago Bears have been a bit busy to begin the offseason. DJ Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills, Tremaine Edmunds was released, and they acquired Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots.
They haven’t slowed down since free agency opened, either. They agreed to contracts with Coby Bryant and Devin Bush, two key free agents. But, they’ve also come to terms on a quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter reports that Case Keenum is coming back to the Bears on a two-year deal worth a maximum value of $8 million. This addition for Chicago further opens the door for the Bears to trade Tyson Bagent.
Bears’ Tyson Bagent trade rumors could pick up speed after Keenum $8M deal
“Source: veteran QB Case Keenum is re-signing with the Chicago Bears on a 2-year, $5.5 million deal with a max value of $8 million,” Schefter reports.
This addition for the Bears might not seem significant, but it’s a move that could have major ramifications this offseason.
By bringing Keenum back, the Bears now have an expendable backup in Tyson Bagent, who’s been mentioned in trade rumors before this offseason.
After this free-agent signing with Keenum on a two-year deal, the Bears now will have a much easier time trading away Bagent this offseason.
Bagent is 25 years old and under contract for one more season on a cheap two-year, $10 million contract.
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Some quarterback-needy teams could use someone like Bagent. There are two teams already off the board: the Atlanta Falcons with Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins with Malik Willis.
The Arizona Cardinals are also adding Gardner Minshew on a one-year deal, and combined with Jacob Brissett, the Cardinals are not likely a landing spot for Bagent.
But, a team like the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cleveland Browns could be possible suitors for Banget this offseason.
Thanks to the Keenum addition, the Bears now have a much more realistic path to parting with Bagent in a trade this offseason.
There’s no guarantee a team is willing to spend on Bagent, but the promise he’s shown in the preseason and in his limited NFL action might sway a team enough to make a trade.
