Grady Jarrett's first season with the Chicago Bears clearly didn't go according to plan, with injuries and underwhelming numbers defining the 2025 season. A player who was once a consistent source of pass rush and a defensive force on the inside for the Atlanta Falcons was a forgettable signing for Chicago. It left reason to wonder if Atlanta was ahead of the curve with their decision to cut Jarrett and turn the page. The Falcons were among the league's most productive pass rushes the season after making this decision, finishing top-three in total sacks.
With this in mind, Chicago has a clear level of pressure on Jarrett, understanding that if this season doesn't go entirely differently, Jarrett's time with the team will end in a roster cut. The contract structure makes it impossible to justify a 2026 cut, as it is just as affordable to keep Jarrett rostered and hope the defender turns the corner.
However, the counter to this is that Chicago is expected to be among the NFC's top contenders. This demands a high level of performance from every position, with the defensive interior incredibly important. If Jarrett doesn't get off to a hot start, it is on the table that the coaching staff could look to cut the veteran's snap count.
Bears Putting Obvious Level of Pressure on Grady Jarrett After Frustrating 2025 Season
Jarrett, not looking to be a force on the inside, would leave Chicago with every reason to cut the defender's snaps in hopes of keeping him healthy and getting the most out of the season. Not only would camp struggles likely mean a lesser role, but it would set up a cut in the 2027 offseason, ending Jarrett's time with the franchise. All of this adds up to make it clear there is a lot riding on the season ahead for the accomplished defender.
It is time to prove that last season was an outlier or a sign of regression that proves it was a rare free agency miss. The answer to this question is going to start becoming clear in training camp, making it clear that a hot start is needed to assuage any concerns.
Turning the corner and being the best version of himself is a needed change that would give Chicago's defense far higher potential than expected. For defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, training camp is a time to learn just how creative and aggressive you're going to need to be on the inside, with Jarrett determining what is ahead.
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