After the first 24 hours or so of the legal tampering period, the Falcons have more questions than answers. Not only did their most notable free agent, Drew Dalman, sign elsewhere, but Grady Jarrett was also shockingly released and subsequently signed elsewhere.
Those leave two massive holes in the trenches, an area that was already a concern for Atlanta. The Falcons have made their first free agent signing of the offseason, inking Divine Deablo to a two-year deal, but he might be nothing more than a depth piece.
The Falcons still have a lot of work to do, and many fans would consider the team losers after the initial wave of free agency. However, it’s important to remember that Super Bowls are rarely won at the opening bell of the legal tampering period. Drew Dalman and Grady Jarrett, however, are certainly winners, with the latter being one of the few individuals who garnered praise from Bill Barnwell of ESPN.
“Sometimes, getting dumped is the best thing that ever happens to someone. The only thing vaguely passing for a successful pass rusher in Atlanta for most of his career, Jarrett’s production has slowed down as he has passed age 30…
Veterans on the wrong side of 30 who get cut as the legal tampering period begins can languish. Jarrett was already on a new team by the end of the evening. Wanting a defensive tackle to line up next to promising third-year lineman Gervon Dexter, Chicago gave Jarrett a three-year, $43.5 million contract. Instead of making that $16.3 million in 2025 and hitting free agency, he appears set to make a minimum of $28.5 million guaranteed over the next two years.”
That’s a great deal for Jarrett. His play certainly didn’t warrant the $20+ million cap hit that he had in Atlanta before the Falcons released him. Jarrett is also turning 32 years old in April, and while another year removed from the ACL injury should benefit him greatly, the chances that deal goes sour is greater than some Bears would like to believe.
Essentially, Jarrett is getting a two-year commitment at an average salary close to what the Falcons didn’t want to pay. It’s a great deal for Grady Jarrett, but I’m not sure it’s a great deal for the Bears.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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