It isn't any secret that defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is at the top of any list of Chicago Bears offseason regrets. Jarrett has been consistently underwhelming in defending the run or getting to the quarterback. However, the Bears are stuck with the defender based on the fact that he costs more to jettison off the roster than simply to keep. Jarrett would be a $21 million dead cap hit if cut, compared to a $19 million projected active cap hit per Spotrac.
This is increasingly problematic not only based on the lack of production, but also because other players are quickly earning high-dollar contracts of their own. Courtesy of Draft Analyst Jacob Infante, Bears lineman Gervon Dexter is quickly earning a new contract with a 78.9 PFF pass-rushing grade (7th for DTs), 4 sacks (T-9th), 23 pressures (T-22nd), and an 82.5 grade against true pass sets. Dexter is quickly earning himself a high-dollar contract, one that is going to be difficult for the Bears to give with Jarrett's deal on the books.
Based on the current roster construction and contracts, the Bears are expected to have just over $1 million in open cap space. This doesn't make it impossible to re-sign Dexter, but it does point out a difficult road, thanks to the regrettable contract of Jarrett. One that the Bears really don't have an out for until the 2027 season.
Bears Signing of Grady Jarret Continues to Age Poorly Endangering Future of Key Defender
Jarrett's contract makes it possible, if not probable, that the Bears are going to lose an incredibly key piece of the defense. The only upside here is that aside from safety Kevin Byard, the majority of the team's core is locked up beyond the 2026 season. This does leave some hope that the Bears can restructure enough contracts to create the needed space to retain Dexter.
Still, it is going to be an uphill battle as opposed to being the simple re-signing it would be if not for Jarrett's deal. The structure of the defender's deal leaves no choice but to keep the veteran rostered, reduced to simply hoping things turn around over the next year.
For Dexter, this is going to come down to whether he values getting the most money up front or the known security the Bears can offer. The defensive lineman is unquestionably going to get more enticing deals than Chicago can match based on Jarrett's contract. Still, there is a chance the franchise can retain the lineman even after a breakout season.
For Chicago fans, this is among the very few concerns or frustrations based on how well the 2025 season has gone. The Bears have quickly established themselves as one of the NFC's playoff teams in spite of the obvious mistake of signing Jarrett. One that could now have further fallout, possibly costing the Bears a chance to keep a breakout defender.