Bears Recent $43 Million Addition Already Close to Getting Labeled a Bust
The Chicago Bears took a gamble when they added veteran Grady Jarrett to their defensive line this past offseason.
It’s a gamble that has yet to pay off. Chicago was hoping to get a proven disruptor on the interior of the defense who could both pressure QBs and help shore up run defense. So far, that hasn’t happened. Instead, Jarrett is moving quickly toward earning the dreaded “bust” label.
The Bears’ offseason commitment to Jarrett underscores how much they believed in his impact. They inked the two-time Pro Bowler to a three-year pact worth around $43 million, including $28 million guaranteed.
With his guaranteed salary stretching into 2026, there’s no easy way out of this deal, which is why it’s already starting to look like a mistake by general manager Ryan Poles and company.
Bears Defense Has Started Slow Out of the Gate in 2025
Chicago’s defensive struggles might be making Jarrett’s current lack of production stand out even more. The Bears have been gashed on the ground and inconsistent at generating pressure, issues that directly overlap with what Jarrett was signed to help fix. Heading into Week 6, Chicago is ranked 31st against the run, giving up almost 165 yards on the ground per game.
Through four games, Jarrett has recorded just four total tackles, three QB hits and no sacks while playing slightly more than half of Chicago’s defensive snaps. His overall PFF grade (55.7) is currently ranked 112th out of 186 qualifying interior defensive linemen.
As it stands, it’s unclear whether Jarrett is slow ramping up due to age and injury issues, or whether Chicago’s defense is just taking longer than anticipated to get rolling, Jarrett is 32 years old and is still working his way back from an ACL tear he suffered in October 2023. He managed 53 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2024, but a lingering knee issue has landed him on injury reports this fall and could be limiting his explosiveness.
Grady Jarrett Needs to Start Producing for the Chicago Bears ASAP to Avoid Being Labeled a Bust Signing
GettyChicago Bears DT Grady Jarrett is already flirting with the bust label heading into Week 6.
While Jarrett was named a team captain leading up to the season and has been a solid leader in the locker room, he wasn’t paid solely to provide veteran leadership. He was brought in as a tone-setter. With so much guaranteed money and so little production, the optics of his signing are going to sour quickly if the tide doesn’t turn. October and November will be huge for Jarrett, as he needs to show that he can still be a difference-maker on the defensive line.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen thinks injuries across the entire defense are a huge reason his unit has struggled early on.
“When you have a lot of moving parts, it makes it a little bit challenging,” Allen said, via 670 The Score’s Chris Emma. “So, hopefully we can get guys back, stay healthy and develop a little bit of continuity within the group. There’s something to be said about guys being able to work together for extended periods of time. When you’re able to do that, you kind of understand where each piece to the puzzle is going to fit.”
Jarrett’s one of the guys the Bears want to see healthy, but since he’s not practicing even after the team’s bye week, there’s definite reason to be concerned.
Justin Jefferson SLAMS Carson Wentz After JJ McCarthy Injury: "This Isn’t His Team to Lead"
In a shocking and fiery response following JJ McCarthy’s injury, Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t hold back, delivering a harsh critique of Carson Wentz as he takes over McCarthy’s spot under center.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” Jefferson said bluntly. “No disrespect to Carson, but him taking over isn’t what we need right now. This isn’t his team to lead. We’ve got to adjust and figure things out, but it’s not ideal.”
Jefferson’s comments come after McCarthy’s unfortunate injury, which opened the door for Wentz to step in as the starting quarterback. While the Vikings are known for their resilience, Jefferson’s frustration is evident—he believes that Wentz’s presence won’t provide the same spark the offense has been relying on.
“The chemistry between McCarthy and the offense was something special, and Carson’s not going to just come in and pick up where we left off,” Jefferson continued, his voice tinged with disappointment. “We’ve got to stay focused and push through, but I won’t pretend like this is the change we wanted.”
With the Vikings looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, Jefferson’s sharp response underscores the tension and uncertainty that now looms over the team’s quarterback situation. Can Wentz rise to the occasion, or will his arrival be a setback for the offense?
