“You start getting to the end of the break and you’re training and you’re ready to go,” Caleb Williams said before signing his contract, his excitement palpable. Little did he know, his enthusiasm was about to be dwarfed by the eruption in the Bears’ locker room.

When Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, announced his jaw-dropping $25.5 million signing bonus, the Chicago Bears‘ locker room transformed into a scene of pandemonium. But amidst the chaos, one reaction stood out: Tyson Bagent, the Bears’ backup quarterback, was caught on camera mimicking a full-body shiver, his eyes wide with disbelief.

The moment, captured for the upcoming HBO series “Hard Knocks” (set to debut on August 6th), encapsulated the surreal nature of NFL contracts. Williams’ total deal – a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $39.49 million – isn’t just impressive; it’s record-breaking. It surpasses Bryce Young’s 2023 contract by about $1.5 million, setting a new benchmark for rookie quarterbacks.

But here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of jealousy or resentment, Bagent has embraced his role as Williams’ supporter and mentor. “He’s great; he’s real,” Bagent told Adam Jahns of The Athletic, addressing Williams’ supposed “Hollywood” reputation. “People, a lot of the media, had whatever they wanted to say about him before he got here. Thankfully, I don’t really look into much of that, but since being in front of him, he’s just been very cool, very likable, very positive.”

This attitude isn’t just talk. Bagent has been putting his words into action, offering insights from his own experiences last season when he started four games in relief of Justin Fields. Despite some struggles – including six interceptions and difficulties with medium-distance throws – Bagent’s 65.7% completion rate and nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards in just five games provide valuable experience to share.

The contrast between Williams and Bagent couldn’t be starker. Williams, the USC prodigy with a Heisman Trophy under his belt, enters the NFL with astronomical expectations. His college rushing stats alone are eye-popping: 442 yards and six touchdowns in his freshman season at Oklahoma, followed by an average of 10.5 rushing scores per season at USC. Bagent, on the other hand, clawed his way onto the roster from obscurity, proving his worth through grit and determination.

Yet, they’re united in their goal to elevate the Bears’ quarterback room. Along with Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Austin Reed, they’re forging a unit that balances star power with hard-earned experience. This chemistry could be crucial, as DraftKings Sportsbook has the Bears at -115 betting odds to make the playoffs for the upcoming season, with Williams as the betting favorite at +135 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Bagent’s evolving role from shock to support

While Bagent’s initial reaction to Williams’ bonus might have been pure shock, his subsequent actions paint a picture of a consummate team player. “It’s just them knowing that, besides my friends and family, nothing means more to me than the success of the Chicago Bears,” Bagent said last month, underlining his commitment to the team’s success.

As the Bears embark on a new era with Williams at the helm, Bagent’s role as a mentor and backup is crucial. The Bears’ decision to roll out a Slip ‘N Slide for their quarterbacks to practice sliding showcases the camaraderie building within the team. It’s moments like these, where million-dollar athletes are laughing and sliding like kids at a summer camp, that truly bring a team together.

As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Williams and his development. But don’t be surprised if you catch glimpses of Bagent on the sidelines, offering advice and support. After all, while a $25.5 million signing bonus might buy a lot of things, it can’t buy the kind of team chemistry that Bagent is helping to foster, one practice at a time. And with the Bears set to be the focus of “Hard Knocks,” fans will get an unprecedented look at how this unique quarterback dynamic unfolds.