Rypien appeared to be Bears’ preferred third-string until Vikings signed him
The Minnesota Vikings appeared to have soiled the Chicago Bears’ plans of bringing back quarterback Brett Rypien in the final episode of this season’s “Hard Knocks.” Rypien, 28, signed a one-year contract in March with Chicago but was cut as the team decided to go with Tyson Bagent as the backup to starter Caleb Williams.
Related: Caleb Williams named among captains for 2024 Chicago Bears After he was cut, Rypien signed with the NFC North rival Vikings, who cut Jaren Hall. Many in Minnesota felt it was a surprising move for the team to part with Hall and instead sign Rypien. In the final episode of “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears”, it appears that general manager Rylan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus wanted Rypien back with the team before Minnesota swooped in.
In a meeting at the beginning of the episode, Chicago’s quarterback coach talked up the six-year veteran’s value to the team. “I think Rypien has veteran leadership, he’s been good for the room,” Joseph said. “He did a great job this preseason. He was great for Caleb [Williams] too.” Related: Bears final roster cuts: Brett Rypien, Austin Reed both let go, among others
Later in the episode when Poles and Eberflus sat down with Rypien in notifying him of his future, Poles mentioned that if the team were to keep three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster he would be on it. The general manager also said they would like to sign Rypien to the practice squad. The Bears ended up signing rookie Austin Reed to its practice squad and Rypien signed with the Vikings, making their 53-man roster. He will be the team’s third-string option behind Nick Mullens and starter Sam Darnold. Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and Joseph also like Reed’s potential going forward.
“For him, just a couple years, just the development and fundamentals. He’s very smart, like he prepares, he knows everything from the mental reps he gets,” Joseph said about Reed. Chicago opens its season against the Tennessee Titans at home. Meanwhile, the Vikings open their season on the road against the New York Giants. Both games are on Sunday at noon.
