Bears’ $42 Million Signing of Grady Jarrett Slammed as One of NFL’s Worst Free Agency Moves
The Chicago Bears made a big splash in NFL free agency, but not all of their moves have been met with praise. Their decision to sign veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $42.75 million contract has drawn harsh criticism, with ESPN’s Seth Walder calling it one of the worst signings of the offseason.
Why the Jarrett Deal is Raising Eyebrows
Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Atlanta Falcons after 10 seasons, mainly for salary cap reasons. Despite his past success, his declining production and recent ACL injury have raised concerns about his ability to perform at a high level.
Walder specifically pointed to Jarrett’s struggles in 2024, when he recorded just:
2.5 sacks
12 quarterback hits
A 9% pass rush win rate
For a player set to turn 32 soon, that kind of decline has made analysts question why the Bears committed $28.5 million in guaranteed money to him.
> “Jarrett’s numbers have been declining for years, bottoming out at a 9% pass rush win rate last season (though he was coming off an ACL tear).”
– Seth Walder, ESPN
Chicago’s Risky Defensive Investments
Jarrett isn’t the only high-risk, high-reward move the Bears made on their defensive front. They also signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal.
Odeyingbo, like Jarrett, has shown potential but only managed three sacks as a starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. These moves suggest the Bears are banking on bounce-back seasons from both players under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s 4-3 scheme.
Could the Bears’ Draft Strategy Save the Jarrett Deal?
Despite the skepticism, the Bears may soften the blow of this signing through the 2025 NFL Draft. Their three top-41 picks give them flexibility, and if they land a young defensive tackle, the pressure on Jarrett to be a dominant force could lessen.
For now, the Bears’ front office believes Jarrett can provide both on-field impact and leadership for a young defense. However, if his decline continues, this signing could quickly become one of the biggest free agency missteps of 2025.