Bears quickly take advantage of another team’s mistake, adding some much needed veteran help to the interior of the defensive front
The trench overhaul continues for the Chicago Bears this offseason.After adding three new starters to the interior of the offensive line and stealing a future breakout pass rusher in Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are addressing the need in the interior of the defensive front in free agency.When Ben Johnson was hired as head coach in […]
The trench overhaul continues for the Chicago Bears this offseason.
After adding three new starters to the interior of the offensive line and stealing a future breakout pass rusher in Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are addressing the need in the interior of the defensive front in free agency.
When Ben Johnson was hired as head coach in Chicago, he noted how different the Bears defense looked on the other side of things game planning for the Detroit Lions after losing defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
The Bears still had a breakout player inside in Gervon Dexter Sr., but had no depth behind him after Big Bill went down.
Well, after pointing out the need earlier in the offseason, the Bears have found a key veteran to help out in Grady Jarrett.
What's interesting about this signing is that Jarrett had a short shelf-life in free agency. The Atlanta Falcons attempted to get a new deal done with Jarrett but talks fell short, leading to his shocking release on Monday morning.
Just a few hours later, the Bears snatch him off the market. NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported Jarrett is expected to land a 3-year $43.5 million deal which will include $28.5 million fully guaranteed. A massive deal for an experienced vet.
"Over the past decade, Grady has exemplified true professionalism, leadership and humility while representing both the Falcons and the city of Atlanta," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said following Jarrett's release. "It has been an honor to witness Grady's growth — not only as a team captain and Pro Bowl player on the field but also as a remarkable individual and family man off the field…"
That's some crazy high praise for the Bears new defensive lineman who was the Falcons 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
Garrett was an back-to-back Pro Bowler from 2019-2020 and started all 17 games in three of the last four seasons. He will bring a ton of experience and leadership to the Bears defense, just like Joe Thuney will on offense.
On the field, Jarrett has traditionally played in the 3-tech, a position Dexter manned for the Bears over the last two seasons. However, with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coming to town, changes will be made.
Under Allen, Jarrett fits his mold for what he likes in a 3-tech. Dexter, given his explosiveness and length, fits what Allen likes off the edge. That means the Bears and Allen will now have Montez Sweat, Odeyingbo, Dexter, Jarrett and Billings in the rotation, a major upgrade for the entire defensive front.
Allen spent a lot of time watching the Falcons former defensive tackle over the last decade while coaching in the same division with the New Orleans Saints. Clearly, he liked what he saw and made sure the front office pushed to sign him once he hit the open market for the first time in his career.
Bears 2025 Free Agency Tracker: Keeping tabs on all the new additions plus who’s leaving, as Ryan Poles attempts to overhaul the roster in Chicago
Tracking every move made by the Bears.
