Bears Predicted to Sign Former 1st-Round QB as Caleb Williams' Backup

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has said he plans to rip the offense "down to the studs" and rebuild it around quarterback Caleb Williams in 2025.

Could that mean adding a veteran quarterback behind Williams, too?

The Bears currently have two quarterbacks behind Williams on their 2025 roster with backup Tyson Bagent and 2024 undrafted rookie Austin Reed both under contract for next season, but Johnson might prefer to sign a more experienced backup who can provide his second-year starter with a veteran mentor.

A quarterback like, say, former first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater.

Windy City Gridiron's Aaron Leming recently explored the possibility of the Bears signing Bridgewater to the roster in his 2025 mock offseason, projecting them to sign the 32-year-old to a fully guaranteed one-year, $2.25 million contract.

"Call it a gut feeling, but something tells me that after last year, the Bears will want a veteran quarterback behind Caleb Williams in 2025," Leming wrote. "They’ll have many options, and most shouldn’t be too costly. It would make the most sense for them to bring in someone who already knows Johnson’s offense, which is why Bridgewater could be a worthwhile one-year investment."

Bridgewater is an intriguing possibility for the Bears if they seek out a veteran signal-caller to compete with — or replace — Bagent heading into next season.

Bridgewater has familiarity with Johnson's offense after spending the 2023 season backing up starter Jared Goff in Detroit. The Lions then brought him back as insurance last December after he ended his yearlong retirement.

If Johnson trusts he can still be an effective backup, the Bears could bring him in on a short-term investment and make him earn his spot in training camp.

The Bears could even realistically keep both Bagent and Bridgewater in their quarterback room if Bagent emerges the victor for the No. 2 role in camp but Bridgewater's familiarity and experience prove assets to Williams' development.

Chicago could also explore veterans with less mileage than Bridgewater if they want someone with longer-term upside to push Bagent. Younger backups such as Mac Jones, Drew Lock and Zach Wilson would likely cost too much, but someone like 27-year-old former second-round pick Kyle Trask may work.