The Chicago Bears have invested heavily in the trenches on both sides of the ball this offseason. Among their notable acquisitions is veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, though not for the reason(s) you think. He questionably secured a generous payday from the team within hours of being a cap casualty; make it make sense.
Chicago signed Jarrett to a three-year, $43.5 million contract on the same day the Falcons released him in March, including $28.5 million in guaranteed money. That currently makes him the 23rd highest-paid interior defensive lineman by average annual value alone should raise a red flag. It's respectable mark for someone of his pedigree, but it's a little rich too rich for the Bears' blood, especially considering the deal's length.
Bears fans are still mystified by Chicago spluring on veteran DT Grady Jarrett
Landing Jarrett, 32, at that price would be a steal -- circa 2023 -- when he suffered a torn ACL. The injury has accelerated what's been a gradual decline, and two-time Pro Bowler is on the back nine of his productive career. Best suited for a rotational/part-time role moving forward, the Bears are compensating him like someone they believe can still be a high-impact contributor.
Adding Jarrett on a bloated one-year pact would've been a much better outcome for the Bears. It may have cost them more in the immediate future, but at least there'd be no long-term strings attached. Instead, Chicago's on the hook for him through 2026, and his salary will account for 6.1 percent of the NFL's projected cap numbers next season.
Yes, the Bears were smart enough to give themselves a potential out that leaves behind little dead money ($4 million). Nevertheless, by then, most of the financial damage will already be done. In other words, it's a small consolation prize, particularly given the risk at stake.
Read more: Bears’ 2025 captains revealed with Caleb Williams stealing the spotlight
Jarrett remains a serviceable, experienced option. He amassed 53 tackles (nine for loss), 12 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks last season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a slightly above-average overall grade (62.1) despite underwhelming pass rushing metrics. Yet, the ex-Falcons star is beyond past his prime, and it's hard to envision a renaissance as time goes on.