The Chicago Bears are bullish on their group heading into the 2026 season. However, there was a notable drain on their roster this offseason, one that veteran Grady Jarrett suggested is still playing out during the early going of the offseason program.
Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, spoke candidly about himself during his media availability following the second session of the Bears’ first set of organized team activities (OTAs).
He was just as honest about the Bears’ leadership.
Grady Jarrett Gets Honest About Bears’ Locker Room Leadership
Bears’ Loss of Leadership Still Playing Out for Grady Jarrett
The Bears allowed multiple players to leave in free agency, including Jarrett’s fellow former team captain, Kevin Byard III, and 2024 selection Tremaine Edmunds, the latter of whom they cut ahead of the official start of the transaction window.
Chicago also allowed emotional sparkplug Jaquan Brisker to depart in free agency.
Jarrett is one of the few remaining vocal players from last season, and he will need help in that regard, but he also believes that being himself will not go unnoticed.
“For me personally, I think just being myself every day is enough. Those guys … did so much for us last year, so much for this team. And they, obviously, all landed on their feet pretty well. But to see who’s going to step up in those new roles is going to be exciting to see, and I’m looking forward to it,” Jarrett told Clocker Sports on Thursday.
“I don’t feel like I need to adjust or do more, or lesser, here and there. I think me being my best self is what’s best and what’s called of me. But it’ll be exciting to see who steps up and be able to lead, not only in the vocal, but on the field and be able to make some nice plays for us.”
Jarrett, who offered up that he owes it to the franchise to have a better season in 2026 than he had in 2025, is not a dire signal.
It is, however, a reminder of the true cost of roster turnover.
Bears Need New Leaders to Emerge
The Bears signed Coby Bryant and drafted Dillon Thieneman to replace Byard and Brisker, respectively. But the rookie was not working with the starters during the first two days of OTAs.
Likewise, Jarrett lauded new additions in his former Atlanta Falcons teammate and fellow DT Kentavius Street and rookie sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg. They are not expected to start over Jarrett or Gervon Dexter Sr., though.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards is a leader, but he is coming off an injury-marred season and was not on the field for the OTAs open to the media on Thursday.
The Bears need newcomer Devin Bush to be one of those leaders until Edwards returns.
They could use it even when the incumbent returns, but the bottom line is that this team is looking to replace more than production on the field. Who steps up over the next few months is indeed worth monitoring.
