Once again, it has been a disappointing Atlanta Falcons offseason. Entering free agency with no cap space, the Falcons had to make some tough financially motivated decisions. The ones they made, however, raised eyebrows among the fanbase.
The Falcons decided to cut longtime starter Grady Jarrett and let standout center Drew Dalman sign with the Chicago Bears. Following his release, Jarrett followed Dalman to Chicago, signing a three-year, $43.5 million deal to join the revamped Bears team.
To nobody's surprise, Jarrett has immediately become a fan favorite in Chicago.
(5 minutes into Grady Jarrett’s intro to Chicago press conference)
— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) March 12, 2025
He’s already one of my favorite players on the team. pic.twitter.com/I4n13u9lxM
Grady Jarrett Already Becoming a Fan Favorite in Chicago
In the introductory press conference alongside other new Bears acquisitions, Jarrett quickly became the star of the show. With his infectious energy and enthusiasm, the Georgia native won the hearts of many Bears hopefuls. The fans inundated social media with messages of love and support for the ex-Falcon.
Yeah, I like Grady Jarrett pic.twitter.com/VA8Vk4ecL0
— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 12, 2025
Jarrett said that he was fired up to be joining the Bears and was proud to be in a building associated with Walter Payton. Calling Chicago a special place, the 31-year-old defensive tackle revealed that his best days are ahead of him.
This is noteworthy because Jarrett is already coming off another strong season in Atlanta. He started in all 17 games for the Falcons last season, registering 30 solo tackles, 12 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. In addition to his on-field production, he has long been a team captain, an excellent locker room presence, and a respected leader.
The Bears aren't only getting a quality starter on the interior defensive line next to Gervon Dexter Sr., but they are also adding a player who will go above and beyond for his teammates and the organization. That fact, which made him one of the most beloved Falcons players in recent years, immediately became obvious on his first day in Chicago. And that is exactly why every Falcons fan will be rooting for him this season and beyond.