Unexpected Announcement: Bears’ Closing In On Deal To Sign Old Backup QB To Serve as Caleb Williams Insurance Policy

The Chicago Bears offensive line was unable to protect quarterback Caleb Williams effectively against the Houston Texans Sunday night, which is potentially a major problem moving forward.

Texans defenders teed off on Williams to the tune of 11 QB hits on the evening. The punishment the rookie QB took in just his second game is unsustainable for the long-term, which likely means the front office will take a hard look at additions to the offensive line and the coaching staff will try to teach the No. 1 overall pick a bit more about self preservation.

However, these two measures alone may not be sufficient.

Tyson Bagent is Chicago’s backup quarterback, and Austin Reed is officially the third-string signal-caller, though he is currently on the practice squad. While Bagent started four games for the Bears during his rookie season in 2023, going 2-2, both he and Reed are undrafted free agents with little and no NFL experience, respectively.

Chicago consider veteran quarterback, either as a third to carry on the active roster and/or as a more experienced option to battle Reed for a spot on the practice squad.

Options aren’t overflowing in free agency, though one of Chicago’s recent backups is available.

The Bears signed PJ Walker to a two-year contract ahead of last season, though ultimately released the QB after Bagent bested him during the summer for the backup job behind Justin Fields.

Walker has started nine games (5-4) in his professional career, with stints with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. He is a more experienced player than Reed, and he is familiar with the Bears locker room from his time with the team during head coach Matt Eberflus’ first preseason in 2023.

Walker would not contend for the starting job, but he may challenge Bagent as a backup. And if Williams is ever hurt, Walker offers Chicago with a tried-and-true backup who keeps earning gigs, as opposed to Reed, an undrafted rookie who has never played a regular-season snap.

That could be the way to go if the Bears can’t find out how to fix the gaps in their offensive line, which has allowed 9 sacks to Williams in only two games.