By [Jason Lieser](https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jason-lieser)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Grady Jarrett attends the purple carpet during the Super Bowl LIX: Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776282213
First the Bears remodeled their offensive line, then they started stacking up pieces on the defensive line.
The team agreed to a deal for veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett for $43.5 million over three years Monday, a source said, shortly after signing defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. He played 10 seasons for the Falcons, including starting every game last season, and made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and ’20. They released him early Monday.
The Bears signed Jarrett, 31, as part of a major overhaul on both lines of scrimmage. Adding a player of his caliber allows them to build depth with either Gervon Dexter or Andrew Billings moving to a backup role.
The Falcons drafted Jarrett in the fifth round out of Clemson in 2015 and he quickly became indispensable. He totaled 36 1/2 sacks, 126 quarterback hits, 496 tackles, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his decade in Atlanta.