The Chicago Bears signed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in free agency this offseason. He quickly showed many of the leadership qualities team brass has cited since the decision. On Wednesday, Jarrett laid out a simple but impactful goal for the Bears in Week 1.
Jarrett and the Bears open the season against one of their NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, on “Monday Night Football.”
Above all else, the Bears must bring one thing: energy.
Bears DT Grade Jarrett Clear on Goals, Challenges vs Vikings
Grady Jarrett Calling for Bears to Bring ‘Energy’
Jarrett sat in front of his locker, headphones on, taping his fingers as he prepared for practice. In all honesty, this is arguably the most reserved Jarrett has been, at least when the media is present, since joining the Bears.
His big personality at the podium matches the passion that he plays with.
Asked for the team’s “goal(s)” heading into the matchup, Jarrett cited a fairly simple (i.e., within their control) way the Bears can start the season off on a good note.
“I think just playing fast, physical, and really emphasizing the way we play defense,” Jarrett told Clocker Sports on Wednesday. “Not necessarily to our scheme and how we match our Xs and Os. But guys just flying around, having fun, playing with a great energy, I think it’ll be something that’ll be a very positive [for our] outlook. And, obviously, not giving up a lot of points, or no big plays, or nothing like that. So, we just want to execute our high level and play with great energy.”
That could be easier said than done.
The Vikings ranked fourth in air yards per pass attempt and ninth in scoring during the 2024 regular season. That came with Sam Darnold at the helm, not second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, as will be the case on Monday.
The Vikings still have one of the league’s best play-callers in head coach Kevin O’Connell. They also have, arguably, the best wide receiver in the league over the last several seasons in Justin Jefferson.
Minnesota also revamped its offensive line, which could present a unique challenge.
Grady Jarrett Ready for ‘Fun’ of Week 1
The Bears already must patch together what the Vikings did last season with what they entrusted McCarthy with this preseason and account for a retooled offensive line. Much like Chicago, Minnesota remade its interior with three new players.
Fittingly, Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler entering his 11th season in the NFL, is unfazed by the challenge of the unknown of the 2025 Vikings, much like his Bears present.
In fact, he calls that Week 1 atmosphere “fun.”
“It’s the NFL, man. No matter who gets paid what and this and that, or this and whatever, everybody we play against every week is going to be a good player. And so, you give everything the same respect. Prepare for the opponent, maybe some things that they’ve shown on film. There’s always going to be some things, especially in the first game, that we haven’t seen on film. So, the first game is fun. You gotta go out there, play your concept, play your technique, and adjust as you go, and just cut it loose.”
The Bears signed Jarrett to a three-year, $42.7 million contract in free agency this offseason. So, their union is only beginning if all goes well this season. If Jarrett has anything to say about it, the Bears will at the very least be able to say they left it all on the field against the Vikings on Monday.