The Chicago Bears had an undeniably frustrating first season with Grady Jarrett, with the defender struggling with injury or to make a consistent impact when he was on the field. Still, the franchise continued to exercise a forced patience as Jarrett's contract left no obvious outs heading into the second year of the deal. However, this has now changed with Chicago having a clear trade option with the structure of the deal giving the Bears a potential trade chip either heading into the season or as a potential move ahead of this year's deadline.
Jarrett would be a $4 million dead cap hit both of the next two seasons if traded, but would save $14.9 million in 2026 and $13.5 million the following season. This hands the Bears a potential avenue out of the deal if there is any team that believes last year's struggles were an outlier and not who Jarrett is expected to be moving forward.
It might not be an incredibly likely scenario, but it is worth keeping a very close eye on as the Bears clearly have reason to regret the contract. If a trade doesn't present itself, Chicago can still escape the deal with a potential roster cut becoming affordable at the end of the 2026 season.
Bears Should Explore Any Potential Trade Interest in Veteran Defender Grady Jarrett
Jarrett garnering a level of trade interest isn't impossible with the veteran lineman having an accomplished resume. It would be a way out of one of the few deals currently rostered that there is reason to regret. The only other avenue is remaining patient with Jarrett, understanding that if things don't turn around in the 2026 season, the contract becomes far easier to move on from.
For Jarrett, there should be an understanding that a trade is on the table, and if a deal isn't found, the veteran is going to need to bounce back or face hitting free agency at the end of the 2026 season. It is the reality of an aging star who didn't live up to expectations and doesn't appear to fit the timeline of a roster built for long-term success.
With all of this in mind, the Bears should continue to monitor possible trade fits throughout the summer and heading into the 2026 season. If an escape is presented, it makes sense for both sides and would help erase one of the few recent free agency mistakes the Bears have made.
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