The Atlanta Falcons weren't aggressive this offseason due to their limited cap space. That led to the Falcons allowing multiple guys to hit the open market through free agency or release.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was among those cuts, as the Falcons released him in March. That move saved the Falcons $16.25 million in cap savings, but he quickly signed a deal with the Chicago Bears.
On March 10, Bears and Jarrett agreed to terms on a three-year, $43.5 million deal, including $28.5 million guaranteed.
While the Bears are thrilled to get Jarrett to help solidify their interior, they may be disappointed. The veteran defensive lineman spent his entire 10-year career with Atlanta, notching two Pro Bowl nods and a one-time second-team All-Pro.
Despite putting up some solid years with the Falcons, his best days are likely behind him. He'll be 32 years old by the time the 2025 season rolls around.
Last season, he finished with 53 total tackles, nine TFLs, 12 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks. While Jarrett has never been known for being an elite pass-rusher, he has taken steps back as a run defender. According to PFF, the veteran defender had a 62.1 overall grade (71st among 219 graded defensive linemen) and a 61.5 run-defense grade (54th among 219 graded defensive linemen).
He's finished with a 61-run defense grade per PFF in three of his last four seasons. Although Jarrett doesn't have the most talent around him on the defensive line, he's slated to have a $19 million cap hit in 2026 and a $16.75 million cap hit in 2027. Those will be his age 33 and 34 seasons, respectively.
That's a pretty penny for someone who was brought in as a big-time force on the defensive front. We'll have to see if Jarrett puts his best foot forward in Chicago, but there are some doubts that he won't.