Tyson Bagent Contract: 5 Shocking Details Of The $16 Million Extension For The UDFA Quarterback

The remarkable journey of Tyson Bagent, from an undrafted free agent (UDFA) out of Division II Shepherd University to a valuable NFL commodity, culminated in a massive contract extension that has reset the market for backup quarterbacks. As of late December 2025, the Chicago Bears rewarded the young quarterback with a new, lucrative deal, signaling their long-term commitment to him as a high-end QB2. This extension is not just a financial windfall for Bagent; it's a testament to the Bears' belief in his potential, solidifying his future with the franchise for years to come.

This deep dive breaks down the intricate financial structure of the new deal, comparing it to his initial UDFA contract and explaining how the performance-based incentives could elevate his earnings to a staggering figure. The extension represents one of the most significant pay raises for an undrafted player in recent NFL history, making his contract a must-know story for any Chicago Bears fan or salary cap analyst.

Tyson Bagent: Full Player Biography and Career Profile

Tyson Jacob Bagent’s rise to NFL prominence is one of the league’s most compelling underdog stories. His collegiate career at Shepherd University was record-breaking, setting the stage for his improbable success in the professional ranks. This is a snapshot of his career profile:

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Tyson Jacob Bagent
• Date of Birth: June 8, 2000
• Age (as of 2025): 25
• Birthplace: Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA
• Height/Weight: 6'3" (191 cm) / 212 lbs
• College: Shepherd University (NCAA Division II)
• Draft Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in 2023
• Professional Debut: 2023 season with the Chicago Bears
• NCAA Career Records: Holds the NCAA career record for touchdown passes (159) and the Division II record for passing yards (17,034).
• Current Team: Chicago Bears (Jersey No. 17)

The Contract Extension: A $10 Million Commitment with $16M Upside

The biggest news surrounding Tyson Bagent is his new contract extension, which was finalized in 2025. This deal completely supersedes the final year of his initial UDFA agreement, rewarding his impressive on-field performance and development as a professional quarterback.

1. The Base Value and Duration

Bagent signed a two-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears. The extension is valued at a base of $10 million, which translates to an average annual salary (APY) of $5 million. This places his APY firmly in the upper echelon of backup quarterback salaries across the NFL, a significant investment by General Manager Ryan Poles in a player who was not even drafted. The extension runs through the 2027 season, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2028.

2. Guaranteed Money and Signing Bonus

The guaranteed money is often the most important part of any NFL contract, and Bagent's deal is substantial for a backup. He received $2.53 million in total guaranteed money, with a significant portion guaranteed at signing. Furthermore, the extension included a $1.5 million signing bonus. This guaranteed sum provides Bagent with financial security and demonstrates the Bears' willingness to commit substantial capital to his future role on the team, regardless of who the starting quarterback is.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

3. The $16 Million Incentive Structure

The true ceiling of Bagent’s contract is its incentive structure. The deal is structured to be worth up to $16 million if he meets certain performance metrics. While the exact details of these incentives are often proprietary, they typically include:

• Playing Time Incentives: Bonuses for reaching a certain percentage of offensive snaps (e.g., 50%, 75%).
• Performance Metrics: Bonuses for achieving specific passing yardage, touchdown totals, or passer rating benchmarks.
• Team Success: Incentives tied to playoff appearances, playoff wins, or Super Bowl victories.

This structure is highly team-friendly yet highly rewarding for the player, ensuring Bagent is compensated handsomely if he is forced into a starting role and performs well, justifying the high potential total value.

From $25,000 to $10 Million: Comparing the UDFA Contract to the Extension

To fully appreciate the scope of the new deal, it is essential to look back at the contract that brought Tyson Bagent to the Chicago Bears in the first place. His initial agreement highlights one of the most dramatic pay increases in the league.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The Original Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Deal

When Bagent signed with the Bears after the 2023 NFL Draft, he received a standard UDFA contract: a three-year deal worth $2.72 million. The guaranteed money was minimal—a mere $25,000 guaranteed, which was tied to a small signing bonus of the same amount. This contract was the minimum required to secure his services, a high-risk, low-reward agreement based on the uncertainty of an undrafted player making the 53-man roster.

The Financial Leap

The new extension is a quantum leap from his original deal. He went from a player earning a league-minimum salary with virtually no financial security to a player with a $5 million APY and over $2.5 million guaranteed. This rapid ascent is a rare occurrence, especially for a Division II quarterback, and speaks volumes about his performance during his first two seasons. The new contract effectively erased the final year of his old deal (the 2025 season), replacing it with a much higher salary cap charge and cash payout.

The Market Impact: Bagent’s Contract vs. Other Backup QBs

Tyson Bagent’s new contract is not just a feel-good story; it’s a market-setting deal for a backup quarterback. His $5 million APY places him among the highest-paid QB2s in the league. This move by the Bears signals a new valuation for the backup quarterback position, especially for a young player who has demonstrated the ability to step in and manage the offense effectively.

The decision to offer such a generous extension, which is described by some analysts as "literally DOUBLE market-level backup QBs," shows the premium the Bears placed on stability and depth at the most critical position. For a team that has dealt with quarterback injuries, having a reliable, cost-controlled, and highly motivated backup like Bagent is an invaluable asset. This contract ensures the Bears maintain control of his rights through the 2027 season, preventing him from hitting the free-agent market sooner and potentially commanding an even larger deal from another franchise.

In conclusion, the Tyson Bagent contract extension is a landmark deal, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s best value signings. It transforms his career earnings and establishes a new benchmark for undrafted players who successfully transition into reliable NFL contributors.