Jerrell Freeman has signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Chicago Bears. The new deal contains $6 million in guaranteed money and locks him up through 2018. Freeman had signed a one-year qualifying offer with Indy last off-season worth $2.356 million.
Ex-#Colts LB Jerrell Freeman agrees to terms with the #Bears on a 3-year deal for $12M, source said. $6M guaranteed. $2M more in incentives
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2016
Jerrell Freeman Signs With Chicago Bears
Freeman emerged as one of the top playmakers in the Colts linebacking corps during his four seasons there. In 2012, he led the team with 145 total tackles (55 assisted) which was good enough for fifth-best in the NFL. A year later, he would repeat the feat with 126 tackles while also adding 5.5 sacks. The latter total was second best on the team and led all linebackers.
During the 2014 postseason, Freeman continued to demonstrate his workhorse capabilities. The inside linebacker averaged 10.7 tackles per game along with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The Colts came within a win away from an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX. In 2015, Pro Football Focus rated him as the second-best player at his position in the league. This was due in large part to his effectiveness as a run-stopper.
Before signing his original deal with Indianapolis, Freeman played the previous three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. The team would make the Grey Cup in his first two seasons there, losing both games to the Montreal Alouettes. In 2010, he led the team with seven sacks. A year later, as he realized more playing time, he finished with 105 tackles, good enough for the team lead.
Freeman was originally an undrafted free agent out of Division III Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Waco, TX native had originally signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2008, but was released during the preseason. Despite turning 30 in May, 2016 will be just his fifth accrued season in the NFL.
