The Chicago Bears went big in free agency and even before, making several new additions to the roster on the first day of free agency and the week prior.
The Bears newest add, former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle — and 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year — Grady Jarrett, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on March 10.
Bears Agree to Contract With Former Falcons DL Grady Jarrett
Grady Jarrett Inks Deal With Bears in Free Agency
“Former Falcons Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett —Released today from Atlanta — already has found a new home, reaching agreement on a 3-year $43.5 million deal including $28.5 million fully guaranteed with the Chicago Bears,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on March 10.
Jarrett, 31, was a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2015.
Undersized by traditional standards at 6-feet-0 and 288 pounds, Jarrett has thrived as a 3-technique and nose tackle which typically require vastly different skill sets.
Bears Need Grady Jarret to Bounce Back After Down 2024 Season
Jarrett is coming off his lowest-graded season from Pro Football Focus. But Jarrett had a resurgent two seasons in 2022 and 2023 following a down 2021. The Bears need him to regain that form for the 2025 campaign.
Per Over The Cap, Jarrett’s deal ranks 21st in total value and 14th in guaranteed money.
New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is very familiar with Jarrett. Allen re-joined the New Orleans Saints coaching staff the same year the Falcons drafted Jarrett.
Arguably most impressive about Jarrett, he has started every regular season game in five of the last six seasons. He has played in every regular season game in all but three seasons of his 10-year career.
Bears DT Group in Flux
The Bears struggled to stop the run in 2024, and the season-ending pectoral injury suffered by Andrew Billings only exacerbated matters.
Billings is entering the final year of his contract too.
Bears 2022 second-round Pick Gervon Dexter transformed his body last offseason and appears to be an ascending player. However, fellow 2022 draftee Zacch Pickens has not come along as the organization hoped when it drafted him.
Behind him, the Bears have only former Indianapolis Colts DT Chris Williams, who showed well in 2024 but is also largely unproven.