Ravens pursue Bears' Bagent as Jackson injury forces urgent trade deadline move
The Baltimore Ravens are actively exploring a trade for Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent after starter Lamar Jackson was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending thumb injury. With backup Tyler Huntley also sidelined by a toe injury, the Ravens are left with only rookie Joe Fagnano. The trade deadline is November 10, and the Bears are reportedly resisting the move, valuing Bagent as a key backup in their system.
Key points
- Lamar Jackson is heading to injured reserve with a thumb injury that may end his 2026 season, leaving the Ravens without a primary starter.
- Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is also injured with a toe issue, leaving rookie Joe Fagnano as the only other option on the active roster.
- The Ravens have reached out to the Chicago Bears regarding Tyson Bagent, who is valued at $4 million in 2026 and $4.25 million in 2027.
- Chicago Bears are reportedly rebuffing overtures for Bagent, believing he is a valuable backup in head coach Ben Johnson's system.
- The NFL trade deadline is November 10, creating urgency for the Ravens to secure a replacement before their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Background
The Ravens have faced significant quarterback instability in recent seasons, going 1-3 when Jackson is unavailable this year and 2-2 last year. In 2021, they missed the playoffs entirely without him. Meanwhile, the Bears have been managing their own quarterback depth, with Caleb Williams returning from a hamstring injury and Bagent and Case Keenum sharing backup duties.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports and Windy City Gridiron confirm the Ravens have reached out to the Bears for Bagent, with NBC noting the cost will be high due to urgency. Windy City Gridiron adds that the Bears are resisting, valuing Bagent as a key backup. FOX Sports provides broader context on Jackson's injury history and the Ravens' need to plan for his long-term future, while also discussing other NFL trade rumors. ESPN's source was unavailable due to a 403 error.
Why it matters
The Ravens' ability to secure a viable quarterback before the trade deadline will determine their competitiveness in the AFC North and their playoff prospects. The Bears' decision to hold or trade Bagent will impact their own depth and the Ravens' immediate stability.
What to watch
The Ravens must finalize a trade or find another solution before the November 10 deadline. The Bears will decide whether to trade Bagent or retain him as a backup. The Ravens' next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will test their current quarterback situation.
- Ravens may explore trading for Tyson Bagent NBC Sports
- Ravens' Lamar Jackson needs thumb surgery, will be placed on IR ESPN
- Replacing Lamar Jackson: Five waiver-wire quarterback options and a priority trade target The New York Times
- Chicago Bears Trade Deadline Rumors on Khalil Mack and Tyson Bagent Windy City Gridiron
- NFL Fallout Week 8: Ravens Must Plan For A Future Without Lamar Jackson FOX Sports
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