The Chicago Bears made a couple of noteworthy roster moves on Tuesday, and one could have greater implications than it would seem on the surface.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson also got strong words from an unnamed rival.
This all comes at a time when the Bears quarterback situation is unclear heading into a Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night Football,” with all three passers having something significant on the line.
Bears Announce Roster Moves to Leads News Roundup
Bears Bring Back Nick McCloud & Scott Daly, Cut Two Players
The Bears announced on their official team website that they signed long snapper Scott Daly to their 53-man roster, signing him off the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Daly played for the Saints in Week 1, but he spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Bears.
In corresponding move, the Bears cut rookie Beau Gardner. Gardner had some issues in Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Additionally, the Bears signed cornerback Nick McCloud to the practice squad.
His return notably comes amid starter Tyrique Stevenson’s hamstring injury that he picked up on Sunday. The Bears would likely turn to rookie Malik Muhammad if Stevenson cannot go in Week 3 against the Eagles. Still, McCloud spent the 2025 campaign in Chicago.
To make room for McCloud, the Bears parted with third-year former undrafted free agent Kyle Hergel.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Gets Strong Words From Rival Excutive
In an article published on September 21, The Athletic’s Mike Sando relayed comments from an unnamed executive that have garnered attention locally a day later.
“The Bears are entering into this world where it’s like Ben Johnson is constantly out over his skis and they have come through,” the unnamed exec said, per Sando in reaction to Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury and uncertain timeline for recovery. “Well, now, guess what? They got smacked in the face and scored three points. What does that mean?”
Others quoted in the piece were less critical and some even complimentary. Still, the comment offered a snapshot of some of the sentiments to Johnson’s forward approach. It is notably an approach that his players openly appreciate.
Moreover, Johnson has not shied away from the idea that he could rub some the wrong way.
In the end, he and the Bears will be judged by wins and losses. They are trying to formulate a plan to bounce back from the latter in Week 2 against a formidable opponent in Week 3.
Bears Get QB Snapshot Amid Injury News
In addition to the uncertainty around Williams, Bears QB2 Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol. That sets the stage for veteran journeyman Case Keenum to potentially get the start against the Eagles in Week 3.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti provided snapshots of several QB rooms around the league, including the Bears’.
Notably, there is plenty at stake for Bagent and Keenum if Williams is sidelined.
- Caleb Williams is now in Year 3 of his 4-year, $39.5M rookie deal in Chicago, who will have the ability to exercise a 5th year option for 2028 next May. Williams will become extension-eligible for the first time this January.
- Tyson Bagent is the next-in-line for the Bears, but he’s dealing with concussion symptoms presently, leaving his status up in the air. Bagent is in Year 2 of a 3-year, $11M contract in Chicago, earning $4.25M this season with another $2M available via playing time incentives.
- Veteran QB Case Keenum rounds out Chicago’s QB room. The 38-year-old signed a 2-year, $5.5M free agent contract this past March that includes $3M guaranteed this season.
Williams’ extension is highly anticipated, regardless of his Week 3 status. Bagent, though, is not only playing for incentives, but also an opportunity to garner a look as a starter in the NFL. This could be Keenum’s final hurrah in Year 14.
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