It is an exciting time to be a Chicago Bears fan. Not only did the team hire the most coveted head coaching candidate, but they also completely revamped the roster, adding key veterans in positions of need.
One of those players is longtime Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. After his surprise release by Atlanta, Jarrett quickly signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with Chicago.
The 31-year-old former Pro Bowler was a fan favorite in Atlanta and is showing why in his first 24 hours as an official Bear.
New #Bears DT Grady Jarrett on his move to Chicago:
— SleeperBears (@SleeperBears) March 12, 2025
“My best days are still ahead of me… I’m in a special place, in a special time, in a special moment, where I’m supposed to me” 🐻⬇️
FIRE ME UP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2LwDz7cmEh
Grady Jarrett Already Making Bears Fans Fall in Love With Him
In his first remarks since joining the team, Jarrett is already winning the hearts of Bears fans. In a press conference along with other newcomers Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the veteran defender quickly stole the show with the amount of energy he brought to the podium.
Jarrett said that he was fired up to be in a special place in a special time and that this was exactly where he was supposed to be. He added that he was proud to be in a building associated with Walter Payton.
Yeah, I like Grady Jarrett pic.twitter.com/VA8Vk4ecL0
— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 12, 2025
(5 minutes into Grady Jarrett’s intro to Chicago press conference)
— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) March 12, 2025
He’s already one of my favorite players on the team. pic.twitter.com/I4n13u9lxM
This didn't go unnoticed by Bears fans. The fanbase took to social media to reveal how they felt about their new veteran defender.
Jarrett saying that his best days are still ahead of him is especially noteworthy, considering he is coming off a solid season in which he started all 17 games for the Falcons. He had nine tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, and 30 solo tackles. He has long been one of the better players for Atlanta before the team had to part ways with the ten-year veteran for financial reasons.
The 31-year-old will likely start next to Gervon Dexter Sr. on the interior, with Montez Sweat and new acquisition Dayo Odeyingbo lining up on either side of them. The Bears hope to finally have a defensive line that can put pressure on the quarterback on a consistent basis.