Signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $42.7 million contract was one of the Chicago Bears' biggest moves of the 2025 NFL offseason. Despite being 32 years old, Bears fans were excited to have Jarrett as part of the defensive front because of his veteran presence and ability to be a difference-maker up front.
Fast forward to the end of September, when Jarrett hasn't performed to the level that fans expected. As a result, the Bears' faithful are starting to question if adding Jarrett was the right move, putting him on thin ice in the eyes of many ahead of Week 4's clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bears DT Grady Jarrett Must Turn Things Around in Week 4
When the Bears signed Jarrett, fans were hopeful they would see a version of the veteran before his ACL tear in 2023. He's been anything but that so far, and if business continues as usual, it's hard to imagine him finishing his contract in the Windy City.
Jarrett has recorded just three tackles, three quarterback hits, and three quarterback pressures through his first trio of outings as a Bear. Moreover, he has earned a pass rush grade of 56.8, a run defense grade of 57.6, and an overall grade of 55.7, according to Pro Football Focus, which are the worst efforts of his career.
Though Jarrett has been dealing with a knee injury, his performance is by no means acceptable. Chicago's defensive front needs the former Clemson Tiger to pick up his level of play to help the unit be successful. Luckily, he has a great opportunity to turn his fortunes around this week.
The interior of the Raiders' offensive line has not looked great early on this season, playing to a 54.2 run block grade so far (22nd). That's promising for Jarrett, who currently holds the best tackle grade of his career (70.9).
The Raiders have also allowed a combined three sacks, three quarterback hits, nine quarterback hurries, and 16 quarterback pressures. Jarrett should be licking his lips at those numbers. If he can disrupt Raiders QB Geno Smith's rhythm, the Bears defense will have another successful day, even with the injuries they are facing.
If Jarrett is unable to take advantage of Las Vegas's weaker interior, not only could the Bears' defense struggle, but Bears fans will grow more frustrated with him. Week 4 will be his biggest game in a Chicago uniform so far, setting the tone for what's to come next.