Pro Bowl return specialist Jakeem Grant expected to have 'robust market'

Jakeem Grant is expected to be a popular name in free agency. The Bears All-Pro return specialist is expected to have a “robust market,” according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. Per the reporter, teams are “emphasizing field position and players who are a threat to take it the distance.”

Meanwhile, Grant was mentioned on NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero’s list of free agents “who could get paid more than you think.” Per Pelissero, it wouldn’t be shocking if the 29-year-old earns a deal worth more than $5M per year, which would make him the NFL’s highest-paid return specialist.

Grant was a sixth-round pick by the Dolphins in 2016. He proved to be serviceable on offense during his time in Miami, including a 2020 campaign where he hauled in 36 receptions for 373 yards. He also started earning some leaguewide recognition for his special teams prowess during that 2020 season. Grant earned an All-Pro nod after returning 29 punts for 330 yards and one touchdown.

He was acquired by the Bears midway through the 2021 season in exchange for a sixth-round pick. In total, he got into 17 games between Miami and Chicago last year, finishing with 309 punt return yards, including a franchise-record 97-yard punt return against the Packers. Grant also earned his first career Pro Bowl appearance in 2021.