The Chicago Bears have had some ups and downs thus far in the season, but that was to be expected with a new coaching staff in town.
With Ben Johnson as the head coach, the Bears weren't shy about spending money in free agency. While the additions like Drew Dalman and Joe Thuney have worked out on the offensive line, the same can't be said on the other side of the ball.
Free agent signings Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett have been lackluster for Chicago and are already coming back to bite them.
Bears Decision to Sign Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett Is Already Aging Poorly
The Bears gave Odeyingbo a three-year, $48 million deal, with $32 million guaranteed. He's unfortunately on IR after he tore his Achilles, but prior to going down with a season-ending injury, he wasn't playing well. In eight games, Odeyingbo had 21 total tackles, four QB hits, 10 pressures, and one sack. On Pro Football Focus, he had a 54.1 overall grade (96th among 110 graded edge defenders), 57.8 pass-rush grade (83rd among 110 graded edge defenders), and a 53.1 run defense grade (88th among 110 graded edge defenders).
Meanwhile, the Bears shelled out $43.5 million over three years to Grady Jarrett. He missed three games for Chicago due to a knee injury. Even when he plays, Jarrett hasn't been that productive. He has eight tackles, three QB hits, and zero sacks. He ranks third among Chicago defensive tackles in snaps (201) but isn't making an impact. On PFF, Jarrett owns a 53.7 overall grade (94th among 123 graded defensive linemen), 58.1 pass-rush grade (80th among 123 graded defensive linemen), and 51.5 run-defense grade (78th among 123 graded defensive linemen).
Chicago gave out a combined $91.5 million and $60.5 million guaranteed to these two guys, expecting them to be difference makers along the defensive front. Instead, they have one combined sack and were nonexistent as run defenders.
The top teams in the league usually have disruptors along the defensive line. That isn't the case with the Bears, and that's certainly worrisome. Chicago decided to acquire Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, but he's more of a depth piece than an impact player that can make up for their mistakes.
Chicago will have to roll with who they have on the roster, but as the second-half push begins, the Bears have to be regretting handing out this boatload of money to these two defensive linemen.