When the legal tampering window opened up, the Chicago Bears wasted little time in handing out major free agency deals. While the franchise has gotten plenty of praise for their efforts, there has still been some flack thrown Chicago’s way.
Namely when it comes to their addition of defensive tackle Grady Jarett. The Bears waited mere hours after his release from the Atlanta Falcons to sign the 10-year veteran. He’s now expected to play a focal role in the middle of Chicago’s defensive line.
Still, the Bears gave Jarrett a three-year, nearly $44 million contract. For Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, that is simply too high. He ranked Chicago’s Jarrett deal the third-worst free agent signing of the offseason.
“The Jarrett they are getting is an average player—at best. After logging six sacks in 2022, he has just four over the last two years combined,” Davenport wrote. “He also missed over half of the 2023 season after tearing his ACL.
“Per Pro Football Focus, Jarrett barely graded inside the top-100 interior linemen in 2024 in terms of pass-rushing, and outside the top-70 at the position overall.”
“The Bears overpaid for a name,” Davenport concluded. “And for the past.”
Chicago Bears pay up for Grady Jarrett
Jarrett is not coming off of his best season. While he played in all 17 games, the defensive tackle racked up 53 tackles, 12 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks. Jarrett earned a 62.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 71/219 defensive tackles. His pass defense grade of 60.6 was putrid, ranking 97/219.
So in that sense, it’s easy to see why analysts are souring on Jarrett. The Bears paid him a ton of money off a bad year following already 10 seasons in the NFL. Certainly Jarrett’s name brand value played a role in securing him a deal.
But it’s not like the Bears didn’t do their due diligence. Now two years removed from his ACL tear, Chicago felt comfortable with where Jarrett is at health wise. And while the 2024 season may not be his brightest moment, the Bears didn’t want to disintegrate everything he has done over his 10-year career. Jarrett is a two-time Pro Bowl nominee after all.
Still, until Jarrett proves he has plenty of gas left in the tank, he will continue to get these reactions. The Bears remain confident he’ll prove the doubters wrong, however.
Bears need defensive line help
Whether his signing is lauded or not, Jarrett’s arrival will help shore up one of Chicago’s biggest issues. As a whole, the Bears ranked 27th in total defense, allowing 354.3 yards per game. They struggled mightily in the run game, ranking 28th by allowing 136.3 YPG.
Jarrett’s main goal will be ensuring the opposing running back doesn’t get downhill with a full head of steam. The defensive tackle must meet him at the line of scrimmage and stop the play. As the new focal point in the middle of the defensive line, Chicago will continue to build around him. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has surely already thought of how to use him proper.
Alongside his work on the field, Jarrett will be tasked with being a true leader for the Bears. He was a multiple time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee with the Falcons. As Ben Johnson crafts his foundation in Chicago, Jarrett will play a big role in molding it. Playing directly next to a rising player in Gervon Dexter, his guidance will be paramount for growth.
Whether you’re pro-Jarrett or think the signing was an overpay, it’s easy to see both sides of the coin. But the Bears are only looking at it one way. After a successful 10-year run with the Falcons, Jarrett will now begin his second NFL life as one of the Bears’ most important defensive players.
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