The Chicago Bears’ decision to sign veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $43 million contract has sparked controversy.
Jarrett has an impressive career, having been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and been named second-team All-Pro in 2019. However, the former Atlanta Falcons standout turns 32 at the end of April, and given his age, several pundits believe the Bears overpaid for his services.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report picked the worst free agent signings of the 2025 offseason, and Jarrett made the cut.
“The Bears are paying for the Jarrett who was a force in the middle in Atlanta,” Davenport wrote in his column.
The Chicago Bears’ decision to sign veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $43 million contract has sparked controversy.
Jarrett has an impressive career, having been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and been named second-team All-Pro in 2019. However, the former Atlanta Falcons standout turns 32 at the end of April, and given his age, several pundits believe the Bears overpaid for his services.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report picked the worst free agent signings of the 2025 offseason, and Jarrett made the cut.
“The Bears are paying for the Jarrett who was a force in the middle in Atlanta,” Davenport wrote in his column.
Is the Bears’ signing of DT Grady Jarrett one of the worst moves in free agency?
That remains to be seen, but his age and previous injury history raise serious worries. Jarrett is nearing the end of his career, and his statistics for 2023 and 2024 indicate a slight dip.
Jarrett sustained a torn ACL in 2023, and despite recording at least 3.0 or more sacks in six of the previous seven seasons, he has failed to reach that mark in each of the last two years.
He recorded 2.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 30 solo tackles in 17 games last season.
It is also appropriate to question Jarrett’s contract. With more than $27 million guaranteed, the Bears are devoting significant resources to a player whose peak years may be behind him. If Jarrett’s performance fails to meet expectations, the contract may be considered as a major misallocation of capital.
But what if Jarrett performs well?
Let This Play Itself Out.
Jarrett may also turn heads in Chicago. He will add extensive experience and leadership to the Bears’ front seven. His presence alone frequently necessitates double-teams, which generates opportunities for his teammates. His ability to disrupt the offensive line and bother opposing quarterbacks might prove invaluable to a Bears defense striving to strengthen its pass rush.
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