Brett Rypien offered high praise for the Chicago Bears upon his departure from the team, raising questions about his choice to join the rival Minnesota Vikings instead. The primary reason for his decision is straightforward in the current NFL landscape—he was offered a roster spot.
During the latest season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which focused on the Bears’ preseason, Rypien was among those released when the team finalized its 53-man roster. Following his release, producers of the show captured Rypien’s journey to the airport as he prepared to join the Vikings.
Despite his positive remarks about the Bears, expressing confidence in their future, Rypien’s departure was a result of a roster decision. Chicago offered him a position on their practice squad, whereas Minnesota provided a spot on their active roster.
Rypien’s choice to sign with the Vikings was influenced by the opportunity to be on the 53-man roster rather than the practice squad in Chicago. Now with Minnesota, he is positioned as the third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens, compared to the Bears’ two quarterbacks, Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent.
Darnold is fighting to prove himself as a starter after a mixed career with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers, while Mullens remains a dependable backup. With more experience than Williams and Bagent, Rypien sees a better chance of playing time in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Chicago has signed rookie quarterback Austin Reed to their practice squad. Like Bagent, Reed came to the Bears as an undrafted free agent and will serve as a third-string option, ready to be elevated if needed.
