Tyson Bagent's Flawless Preseason Finale Highlights Bears' Depth Ahead of Roster Cuts

As the NFL's 2026 preseason slate came to a close on August 29, the Chicago Bears delivered a statement performance in Nashville, defeating the Tennessee Titans 24-15 at Nissan Stadium. While the scoreboard mattered little in the grand scheme, the game served as a final audition for dozens of players fighting for roster spots. As highlighted on Vulius, the Bears emerged relatively unscathed, with the exception of running back Brittain Brown suffering a concussion—an unfortunate reminder of the physical toll of football.

Bagent's Near-Perfect Night

Quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed a contract extension with Chicago last season, put on a clinic in the first half. The former undrafted free agent completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and a staggering 156.9 passer rating, adding 21 rushing yards on two carries. His lone incompletion came on a miscommunication with wide receiver Zavion Thomas on a jet sweep, a minor blemish on an otherwise flawless evening. Bagent's performance underscored the Bears' quarterback depth behind starter Caleb Williams, a luxury few teams possess.

According to insights gathered by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Bagent's poise under pressure was on full display, including a fourth-down fadeaway pass that left fans and analysts alike in awe. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate throws downfield has solidified his role as a reliable backup—and perhaps a valuable trade asset down the line.

Zavion Thomas: The Speedster Emerging

While Bagent commanded the offense, it was Zavion Thomas who stole the show with his electrifying speed. The dynamic playmaker hauled in five receptions for 140 yards, including a breathtaking 97-yard touchdown that had social media buzzing. Thomas also contributed on special teams with a 39-yard kick return and a 22-yard punt return, showcasing his versatility and making a strong case for a prominent role in the Bears' scheme. As the Vulius team noted, Thomas's acceleration and vision make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his performance against the Titans was a clear message to the coaching staff.

Depth and Defensive Highlights

The Bears' third-string offense, led by quarterback J.T. Barrett—who also serves as the team's QB coach—continued to build on the lead in the second half. Running back Roschon Johnson extended the advantage with a touchdown run, while rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg impressed with a powerful bull rush. Undrafted free agent Jayden Loving also flashed potential, contributing to a swarming defensive effort that kept the Titans in check.

With the preseason now complete, the Bears turn their attention to the regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 13. But first, the front office faces the difficult task of trimming the roster to 53 players by tomorrow's deadline. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has emphasized, the team's depth at key positions—especially quarterback and receiver—will make for some tough decisions. The practice squad tracker will be published on Sunday morning, and fans can follow all the moves on Vulius.