The Chicago Bears made several bold moves during the first wave of NFL free agency last week, but one of their signings has attracted some criticism.
On March 12, the first day of the 2025 league year, the Bears announced two trades and their first two signings of the unrestricted free agency period, including a three-year, $42.75 million contract with veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, became available after the Atlanta Falcons released him to free up cap space, ending his 10-year stint with the team that drafted him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Bears wasted no time in securing him for their defense.
However, the Bears’ swift move raised concerns for ESPN’s Seth Walder, who labeled Jarrett’s signing as one of the most perplexing and worst moves of free agency.
“Signing Grady Jarrett to a deal with $28.5 million fully guaranteed is a questionable decision,” Walder stated on March 18 in a panel of ESPN experts. “Jarrett’s performance has been declining in recent years, with his pass rush win rate dropping to just 9% last season, although he was recovering from an ACL injury.”
Bears Taking Risks with Grady Jarrett & Dayo Odeyingbo
Walder’s doubts about the Bears’ decision to sign Jarrett to such a lucrative deal are not without merit. As he pointed out, Jarrett had one of his worst seasons in 2024 with the Falcons, recording only 2.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits over 17 starts and 463 pass-rushing snaps. Additionally, Jarrett will be turning 32 in a few weeks, which could signal a potential decline in his performance.
Jarrett isn’t the only high-risk player the Bears have invested in during free agency.
They also signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract, betting on a player who fits defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s preferred pass-rusher profile but only posted three sacks in his first full season as a regular starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. Like Jarrett, this could be a move that doesn’t pay off.
Despite these concerns, the Bears could still see significant potential in Jarrett.
Although several years have passed since his last Pro Bowl appearance, a change of scenery and a move into Allen’s aggressive 4-3 defensive scheme might ignite a late-career resurgence if he remains healthy. Jarrett, who was a former team captain with the Falcons, also brings leadership to the Bears’ locker room, which could benefit their young players.
Clearly, the Bears are banking on Jarrett contributing more than just mentorship, as reflected in his contract, but there’s an undeniable risk involved in the move.
Grady Jarrett Signing Could Look Better After NFL Draft
For now, the Bears’ decision to sign Jarrett warrants some skepticism, but the outlook on the signing could improve depending on the outcome of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Bears used their free agency moves to open up more draft options, acquiring three new interior starters for their offensive line and adding Jarrett and Odeyingbo to their defensive front. This flexibility allows them to target the best available players with their top three picks, without feeling the need to focus on one specific position.
The Bears might decide to use their high draft picks on offensive playmakers, such as running back Ashton Jeanty or tight end Tyler Warren, or they could choose to reinforce their defensive line further. If they select a first- or second-round defensive tackle, the pressure on Jarrett to become a consistent impact player for the Bears would be reduced.
This wouldn’t make Jarrett expendable, but it would make the risk associated with him more manageable, as they would be hedging their bet by drafting a young defensive tackle who could develop into a starter.
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