Cardinals Exploring Options for New Quarterback
The Cardinals are searching far and wide for a new quarterback.
With Kyler Murray likely having played his last game in Arizona, the team is on the lookout for fresh talent to fill the role.
Longtime radio personality John Gambadoro shared on Tuesday that Arizona is considering signing Tyson Bagent, the backup quarterback for the Bears.
According to Gambadoro, “The Cardinals are interested in Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. He has one year left on his contract, so a trade would be necessary.” Bagent was an undrafted free agent and secured the backup position in Chicago after outshining P.J. Walker, leading to a two-year, $10 million contract extension.
Bagent’s journey is quite an underdog story. After going undrafted from Division II Shepherd University, his hard work earned him a chance on the Bears, where he looked solid in his appearances.
In a challenging season for the Bears, they went for Caleb Williams as the first overall pick. However, Bagent managed a record of 2-3 in five starts after Justin Fields was injured.
During his limited playing time, Bagent recorded 859 yards, five touchdowns (including two on the ground), and six interceptions. He also showcased his skills during preseason.
If Bagent were to join the Cardinals, he would presumably compete for the starting position. Arizona aims to navigate all options to find a replacement for Murray after a lackluster 2025 season.
Currently, they have Jacoby Brissett under contract for the upcoming season, although the team struggled with a 1-11 record under his leadership and went 2-3 with Murray.
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, but it doesn’t seem to be a particularly quarterback-heavy class. The expectation is that Fernando Mendoza will be selected first overall by the Raiders, while opinions are mixed about any other quarterbacks worthy of a first-round pick.
Murray, bound by a five-year, $230.5 million contract signed in 2024, has two years remaining, with $159.8 million guaranteed. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2029, and it seems he could still offer some trade value, contrasting with Tua Tagovailoa, who is expected to be released without a second thought.
