After 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Grady Jarrett became one of the most prominent players in franchise history. He made a pair of Pro Bowls in the 2019 and 2020 seasons and was part of the 2017 team that went to the Super Bowl. The Conyers, Georgia native also ranks 10th in Falcons history with 36.5 sacks and was a key part of Atlanta’s defense.
That resume made it hard to see the Falcons release Jarrett at the beginning of the offseason. But things got worse when Jarrett signed with the Chicago Bears a few hours later. Jarrett’s departure took another painful turn on Monday and it leaves Atlanta trying to fill a massive hole in their defensive line and their hearts heading into the 2025 season.
Former Falcons DT Grady Jarrett Says Painful Goodbye in Social Media Post
Jarrett said his final goodbyes to Falcons fans in a post on his Instagram account. After a decade with his home state team, he expressed gratitude to the fans and organization for helping him live out his dream in the NFL.
“I just want to express my gratitude for all the love you’ve shown me over these last 10 years,” Jarrett said. “Being from Conyers, playing for the Atlanta Falcons was a dream and that dream has come true and I couldn’t do it without the love and support that you guys have given me over the years. You know, every time I step out on that field, I gave my all. I hope you felt it. It was real. It was genuine. And…my pride for playing, for my city, pride for the game and just, you know, I hope you guys loved it.”
Jarrett also called his departure from Atlanta “an unforeseen business decision” and hoped that Falcons fans would continue to cheer for him in the future.
"As we continue to transition to this next thing for me…due to some unforeseen business decisions, we all know what we signed up for and unfortunately, I didn’t see it coming at this point. But with that being said, I am excited for my next chapter in Chi-Town. I’m going to give these fans, my teammates, this organization everything I’ve got, but I couldn’t do it without telling you guys, thank you. Tell you that I love you and I hope for your continued support. If you still got that nine-seven jersey, wear it with pride and look, love. It is what it is, man. Nine-seven out."Grady Jarrett
When Falcons fans are done drying their tears, they’ll have to find a way to replace Jarrett. The Falcons signed Morgan Fox as an unrestricted free agent but he’ll be joined by David Onyemata and 2024 second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro on the defensive line. Perhaps if the Falcons hadn’t made some other financial mistakes, Jarrett may have been able to close out his career in Atlanta. Instead, both sides must move on and attempt to reach their goals in 2025.