What Grady Jarrett wants to bring to Bears as a leader

Following a disappointing 2024 season, the Chicago Bears made some major changes across the board, including the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson and the addition of several new faces in the trenches. One of the biggest splashes the team made so far was bringing in defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jarrett was an unquestioned leader for the Falcons throughout his tenure, but the veteran was released just hours before free agency opened up, and the Bears soon after locked Jarrett down to a three-year deal.

During his introductory press conference this week, Jarrett showed plenty of passion, energy, and leadership that has been missing in the Bears organization. Having played in one Super Bowl in his career in 2016, Jarrett recorded three sacks of legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, tying a Super Bowl record, although the Falcons would come up short, blowing an infamous 28-3 lead. Now that he's in Chicago, Jarrett is hoping to bring that championship level experience.

"I think the perfect match came along," Jarrett said. "When I had an opportunity to join this team, join [head coach] Ben [ Johnson and] be a part of something here — that is going to be special, me being somebody who wants to be in a position to compete for championships, encourage the younger guys around me, and just really share my experience and my hunger for greatness to others who want to achieve it.

"I'm in a special place in a special time in a special moment where I'm supposed to be. I'm just really trusting the process, and that's how I got here."

Jarrett will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to a rebuilt defensive line, and should open up opportunities on the outside edge for Montez Sweat, and recently signed Dayo Odeyingbo. The veteran will also be able to provide mentorship for Gervon Dexter, who enters his third season with the team, and could be a leader for new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Sharing that experience and hunger for greatness will be something Jarrett is known for with his leadership off the field, and his production on the field.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: What Grady Jarrett wants to bring to Bears as a leader

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What Grady Jarrett wants to bring to Bears as a leader

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