Chicago Bears Schedule Meeting with Jerrell Freeman

Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) walks off the field after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Bengals 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) walks off the field after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Bengals 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears are going to have a busy Friday at Halas Hall. The Bears have meetings scheduled with free agent defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham. Now word has come down that free agent inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman will also be at Halas Hall to have a meeting with Ryan Pace and John Fox.

This would be a fantastic move for the Bears. Freeman is another fantastic tackler who would fortify the defense. Inside linebacker would go from an area of serious need to an area of serious strength in a matter of three days. Freeman is a little older than the type of free agent Pace generally targets (he will be 30 in May), but he’s a young 30 in terms of NFL mileage. He spent his first season on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad and then two years playing in the CFL. He only has four years of completely rugged wear and tear on his body, as the CFL is a much more open game and far less physical.

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Freeman is another versatile defender. He’s topped 100 tackles in three of his four seasons, tallying only 95 in 2014 (but he missed four games). He can also be utilized in the passing game. Freeman has 16 passes defended over the last four years with four interceptions to go with it. He has the ability to make big plays which Fox loves. He’s scored two defensive touchdowns for Indianapolis.

The Colts want to retain Freeman and will not go quietly in the night, but negotiations have been bumpy and Freeman is now testing the free agent market to see if someone will offer him a better deal. The Bears won’t be the only ones courting him, the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons are also in the mix, but if the Bears really like Freeman and decide they want to sign him to the roster, they may try and have him sign a contract before he leaves Halas Hall today.

The Bears had a relatively quiet day two in free agency, but they could be the most active team on day three. If Ryan Pace puts his head on the pillow tonight after landing Hicks and Freeman, the Bears defense should be poised to make massive strides in 2016. With Vic Fangio running the show, these are the type of signings that can bring the Monsters of the Midway back to Chicago.

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.