Block or Not: Jerrell Freeman

Is there any chance Jerrell Freeman remains with the Chicago Bears?

Jerrell Freeman‘s Chicago Bears career started off with a bang. Freeman signed a 3-year contract in 2016 and once he stepped on the field, it appeared that Ryan Pace found a gem. Freeman was fantastic on the field leading the Bears in tackles and being one of the top-rated linebackers according to Pro Football Focus.

More from Bear Goggles On

• Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
• How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
• The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
• Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
• 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears

Then Freeman’s season hit a brick wall when he was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Freeman apologized and said it was behind him and hoped to have a great season in 2017.

Freeman’s 2017 season was a mess. He injured his pectoral muscle in week one which eventually would land him on injured reserve. To complicate matters, Freeman was suspended again for PED use, this time for 10 games. He has one year left on his contract, but would the Bears consider him for this season or a possible extension?

Those odds are near zero.

Yes, Freeman has been fantastic on the field, but back-to-back PED suspensions have to make you wonder how much of that production was from a laboratory. Not to mention, Freeman has also mentioned last season that he was having issues recovering from a concussion. With Nick Kwiatkoski in the wings and Christian Jones playing well at times, it doesn’t seem like Freeman would be a risk worth taking, even if he says he’s recovered from his concussion issues.

The final year of Freeman’s contract isn’t guaranteed, so you can expect the Bears to release him in the near future and move on from someone who was once a promising free agent acquisition.

Jerrell Freeman: Block or Not: NOT