Caleb Williams Reveals $25.5 Million Signing Bonus In Bears ‘Hard Knocks’ Clip & Sends Backup QB Tyson Bagent Into A Tailspin

Tyson Bagent was an undrafted Division II quarterback, so the fact that he even made it to the NFL is incredible in and of itself. He even played quite well for a rookie last season, posting a 2-2 record in four starts with plenty expected growing pains. Bagent helped shove Josh McDaniels out the door in Las Vegas, much to the Raiders' delight. But as cool of a story as Bagent continues to be, and as improbable as it seemed this time last year in many Bears fans' minds that he'd outlast Justin Fields on the roster, he has zero chance of starting over No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at any point in the future. The gap between the two talent-wise is considerable, reflected both in their draft status and their paychecks. In a clip from the Bears' version of HBO's Hard Knocks that aired Thursday, Williams is seen addressing the team — presumably for a skit or related light rookie hazing — and is required to reveal his signing bonus. A cool $25.5 million in the bank right off the bat. Look at how Bagent reacts. https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1819197274750083133 An exorcism may be in order! You know what, though? I'm surprised to learn that Bagent signed a three-year contract last May that pays him about $2.97 million. Still a bargain for someone who looked so capable as an undrafted rookie on the field, but even for a quarterback, that seems like an unusual commitment. Chicago's brass must've known they had something in Bagent pretty early to have so much conviction, despite his lack of experience against top-flight collegiate competition. Anyway, Williams is sitting out the Hall of Fame game against the Texans, which featured the debut of the bizarre-looking new kickoff rules . He did hit the field in all his gear to warm up at least. What a sight to see. https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1819156974942277943 https://twitter.com/wyche89/status/1819150711172534653 The former USC Heisman Trophy winner will soon get to throw the ball to the likes of recently-paid wideout DJ Moore, reigning ninth overall pick Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen, who just hauled in 108 receptions in 2023. Not a terrible supporting cast, that trio. Since Brett Rypien is getting an extended look tonight under center for the Bears, it appears Bagent's QB2 gig is intact for the time being. Rypien is dealing to Collin Johnson, who just may battle his way into some snaps amid a crowded wide receiver rotation if his HOF game performance is any indication. https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1819181510429123066 https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1819189806163022285 https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1819191225716539793