The Chicago Bears made headlines this offseason with the strategic signings of two seasoned veterans: defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and quarterback Case Keenum. While neither was brought in as a long-term solution, both are already proving to be invaluable assets both on the field and in the locker room.
Grady Jarrett: The defensive mentor and a force
Grady Jarrett fell into the Bears' lap following his release from the Atlanta Falcons on March 10th. Just a few hours later, he signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Bears on the same day.
Jarrett won over many Bears fans in his introductory press conference, and since then, he has been nothing but a positive influence on the Bears' defense.
The former Atlanta Falcons star, known for his relentless motor and leadership, has quickly become a mentor to the Bears’ young defensive core. Rookie defensive lineman Shemar Turner, a second-round pick out of Texas A&M, didn’t mince words when asked about Jarrett.
“He’s a dog, bro. He’s an animal,” Turner said in an interview with Scott Bair from Marquee Sports Network. “He’s not too big. He’s a guy who can pass rush. He’s quick as hell. He’s fast off the ball. His get-off is crazy. He’s a dude. There’s a reason why he’s been here so long.”
Turner will be counted on to contribute immediately, and having a mentor like Jarrett will hopefully serve well for Turner by setting the tone in the film room and on the practice field, showing what it means to prepare like a pro. Turner will be expected to replace Jarrett one day, and what better person to learn from Day 1?
Case Keenum: The Quarterback Whisperer?
Quarterback Caleb Williams was back in the news, thanks to an article by ESPN's Seth Wickersham about how he and his father tried to circumvent being drafted by the Chicago Bears more than a year ago. His story brought back nightmares for many Bears fans, just how bad both the offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, and head coach Matt Eberflus were when it came to developing Williams last season.
The Bears hope the hiring of Ben Johnson as their new head coach will resolve many things that went wrong last year. But the Bears also signed veteran back quarterback Case Keenum, who could the most underrated signing of the off-season.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported this week that Williams is working on two things Johnson wants him to work on: His body language and the presnap procedure. He writes that Williams is taking advantage of the addition of Keenum by working with him after hours to work around the CBA-mandated limits on what the coaches can actually do with the players at this point in the calendar.
Ben Johnson has emphasized a culture of accountability, preparation, and professionalism from Day 1. Jarrett and Keenum are embodying that vision. Their influence is being felt across the roster, from rookies to veterans, and it’s creating a ripple effect that could define the Bears’ 2025 campaign.