Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett Form Core of Experienced Chicago Bears Defense Entering 2025 NFL Training Camp with Swagger

As the Chicago Bears head into their 2025 training camp, all eyes are fixed on a defense that is not only loaded with talent, but also battle-tested. With cornerstone players Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, and new acquisition Grady Jarrett anchoring the unit, the Bears are leaning heavily on their experienced defense to set the tone for what they hope will be a return to prominence in the NFC North.

For years, the Bears have lived and died by their defense. From the legendary Monsters of the Midway to the 2006 Super Bowl team, defense has always been the franchise’s heartbeat. But the modern Bears are blending that storied tradition with a new wave of athleticism and leadership. And at the heart of it all are three veterans who bring not just skill, but an attitude of accountability and toughness.

Jaylon Johnson: The Leader in the Secondary

Fresh off signing a four-year, $76 million extension in the spring, cornerback Jaylon Johnson enters training camp as one of the most respected players on the roster. The former Utah standout has developed into a shutdown corner, earning second-team All-Pro honors last season while consistently matching up against opposing teams’ top receivers.

Johnson’s growth hasn’t just been on the field. Coaches and teammates alike rave about his leadership qualities, football IQ, and desire to elevate everyone around him.

“I’m not just trying to be a great corner,” Johnson told reporters at Halas Hall. “I’m trying to lead this defense and bring a championship mentality back to Chicago.”

That mentality is already taking shape in the meeting rooms and on the practice field. Johnson has taken younger corners like Tyrique Stevenson and rookie Khyree Jackson under his wing, offering mentorship and pushing them in drills. His presence brings a calm to the secondary and a level of consistency that defensive coordinator Eric Washington is banking on.

“He’s the complete package,” Washington said. “He knows the game, he studies tendencies, and he’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever coached.”

Montez Sweat: The Relentless Edge Rusher

When the Bears traded a second-round pick to Washington last season to acquire Montez Sweat, the move was met with some skepticism. That skepticism vanished quickly. Sweat recorded six sacks in nine games with the Bears and instantly changed the dynamic of Chicago’s pass rush. His impact was so profound that the Bears signed him to a four-year, $98 million deal just days after his arrival.

Now, entering his first full season in Chicago, Sweat is hungry for more.

“Last year was just the beginning,” Sweat said. “We’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to be physical, and we’re going to dictate the game.”

Sweat has been everything the Bears hoped for—long, athletic, durable, and disruptive. His presence off the edge forces quarterbacks to get the ball out quickly, and his ability to defend the run makes him a true three-down lineman. But perhaps more importantly, his drive and work ethic have become contagious in the locker room.

He’s also found a reliable running mate in veteran defensive end DeMarcus Walker and second-year edge rusher Gervon Dexter Sr., giving the Bears options in their rotation and helping to build a versatile front.

“Montez has brought an edge to our team—literally and figuratively,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “He raises the standard every time he steps on the field.”

Grady Jarrett: The New Veteran Voice

If Johnson is the leader of the secondary and Sweat is the anchor of the edge rush, then Grady Jarrett is the seasoned voice in the middle. Signed in free agency after nine productive years with the Atlanta Falcons, Jarrett brings not only talent but a wealth of experience to the interior of the Bears’ defensive line.

Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, is known for his explosiveness off the snap, gap discipline, and relentless motor. But it’s his leadership and understanding of defensive schemes that may prove most valuable.

At 32, Jarrett is the oldest player on the defense, but he’s not slowing down. He reported to camp lean and motivated, eager to be part of a defense with serious potential.

“Being here feels like a new chapter,” Jarrett said. “I see guys hungry to win, and I want to be part of that.”

Jarrett’s addition gives the Bears a formidable interior presence alongside rising star Zacch Pickens and the aforementioned Dexter. More importantly, it allows Chicago to rotate bodies and keep fresh legs late into games—something the team struggled with in the past.

Coaches are also excited about the way Jarrett commands respect in the locker room and in the huddle.

“Grady’s like having another coach on the field,” said linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi. “He sees things before they happen and helps younger guys adjust. His football IQ is off the charts.”

A Defense Built on Balance and Depth

What makes this year’s Bears defense especially promising isn’t just the star power of Johnson, Sweat, and Jarrett—it’s the balance and depth throughout the unit.

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds returns for his second season in Chicago after leading the team in tackles in 2024. Flanked by T.J. Edwards and third-year pro Jack Sanborn, the Bears’ linebacker group is fast, physical, and disciplined.

The secondary, led by Johnson, also includes Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon—two playmakers with the ability to blitz, cover, and tackle in space. Brisker, in particular, is expected to take another leap this season after a breakout year that saw him record 4 interceptions and 3 sacks.

And with a defensive coordinator like Washington—who preaches discipline, fundamentals, and physicality—the Bears have the foundation to make life difficult for any offense in the league.

A New Standard in Chicago

The Bears haven’t won a playoff game since the 2010 season. But this year feels different.

After years of defensive inconsistencies and missed opportunities, there’s a renewed focus and a belief that the defense can be the difference-maker. Johnson, Sweat, and Jarrett are not only stars—they are tone-setters. They’ve all been through the highs and lows of the NFL, and they’re unified in one mission: change the narrative.

“We’re not here to be average,” Sweat said. “We’re here to dominate.”

Training camp will provide the first look at what this unit can become. The pads will come on. The tempo will ramp up. And the Bears’ experienced defense will take center stage.

Whether it’s stopping the run, collapsing the pocket, or locking down in man coverage, this defense is designed to disrupt. It’s built to win close games. It’s led by professionals who understand the stakes and aren’t afraid of the moment.

If Chicago is to make a run in 2025, it won’t just be because of quarterback Caleb Williams’ development or the new weapons on offense. It’ll be because a defense anchored by Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, and Grady Jarrett refuses to be anything less than elite.

In a league that often prioritizes offense, the Bears are boldly leaning into their defensive roots. And with this kind of talent and leadership, they might just be ready to write a new chapter in the franchise’s storied history.