While the offense was subpar, to say the least, the Chicago Bears' defense was usually a high point during the Matt Eberflus era. That's why adding a player of Grady Jarrett's caliber was certainly a promising move by Ryan Poles.
The Bears signed the former Atlanta Falcons standout to a three-year deal worth a whopping $43.5 million this offseason. Unfortunately, they have yet to get their money's worth with this signing, and it's about time he finally steps up.
It's Time Grady Jarrett Lived Up to His Contract with Chicago
The Bye Week didn't get off to a good start for the veteran interior lineman. He missed practice again, as he continues to deal with a nagging knee injury that has already cost him one game this season. Perhaps it was just a maintenance thing and they want to err on the side of caution with the 32-year-old, but it's still not a good sign.
Through three games, Jarrett has logged just four total tackles (one solo) and three QB hits. He has been quite vulnerable against the run, posting a subpar 55.7 Pro Football Focus grade that makes his $14.2 million salary for the 2025 season resemble an unarmed robbery.
Even so, we can't ignore that he was one of the best interior linemen in the NFC just one year ago. He started all 17 games for the Falcons, logging 53 total tackles (30 solo), nine tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks.
The Bears' defense has impressed over the past couple of weeks following a shaky start to the season. They held the Dallas Cowboys' high-flying offense to 396 total yards and only 14 points, forcing three turnovers and getting to Dak Prescott twice in a victory. Then, they won the turnover battle again against the Las Vegas Raiders, picking off Geno Smith three times, recovering one fumble, and holding them to 357 total yards and 24 points in another win.
Still, this team is giving up the second-most rushing yards per game (164.5) in the entire league, and that's where a proven veteran like Jarrett should come in handy. He should be significantly better once he gets back to full strength, something that cannot come soon enough for Chicago.
While the Bears patiently wait for that time to come, Jarrett tore his ACL just two years ago, and at 32 years old, the odds are strong that injuries will only become more common with him moving forward. Hopefully, the additional time to rest will help him rejuvenate his body and get back to his usual level of performance.