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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 10: Grady Jarrett #50 of the Chicago Bears tackles Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a NFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 10, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Despite any expectations fans may have about Grady Jarrett, the Chicago Bears’ lack of significant movement at the position suggests they still expect him to be a difference-maker in the middle of the defense. Oh, sure, they brought in Neville Gallimore on a two-year, $10 million deal, but they needed a replacement for Andrew Billings. Gervon Dexter Sr. is back and is heading into his contract year, but Jarrett has nearly a $19 million cap hit in 2026, so they need him to be the guy they thought they were signing last offseason.
Jarrett’s first year in Chicago wasn’t memorable, as he missed three games with a knee injury and registered 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 3 pass knockdowns. In his 14 games (4 starts) he played in 67.8% of those defensive snaps, which was the highest rate among Chicago’s defensive tackles even though he was mostly DT3.
He flashed a bit more later in the season as he put his knee issue behind him, and in the two playoff games, his usage increased to 82.3% of snaps while he had 6 tackles, a QB hit, and a pass defended.
He turned 33 years old in April, so it makes sense for the Bears to get his snap count down to keep him fresh and to alleviate the wear and tear on his knees, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still the third defensive tackle. But even so, he’s the most talented of the bunch, and the Bears need him to play like it.
Jarrett, a 2025 team captain in his first year in Chicago, brings a ton of veteran savvy and leadership to the team. He’s fully healthy now and has something to prove heading into his 12th season.
“I know that I owe Chicago a better year, and I’m excited to go do that,” Jarrett said via the team site.
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