Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jerrell Freeman suspended in 2016?
Freeman was suspended four games for PEDs during the 2016 season. The suspension cost him a significant amount of money and prevented him from hitting the snap percentage incentives built into his Bears contract.
How did Jerrell Freeman end up playing for the Chicago Bears?
After failed contract negotiations with the Indianapolis Colts, Freeman hired Drew Rosenhaus and hit the open market. Chicago reportedly offered incentive-laden contract terms that Indianapolis did not, and Freeman signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Bears.
Did Jerrell Freeman ever make the Pro Bowl?
No, Freeman has never been selected to a Pro Bowl despite being one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. In 2016 he finished with the number one overall linebacker grade from Pro Football Focus at 93.8, yet Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, who ranked second and third behind him, were voted in instead.
What college did Jerrell Freeman play for and was he drafted into the NFL?
Freeman played at Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Division III school, where he was named the D-3 Defensive Player of the Year. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft and was subsequently signed and then cut by the Tennessee Titans before heading to the CFL.
How did Jerrell Freeman perform statistically for the Chicago Bears in 2016?
Freeman recorded 110 tackles in just 12 games, with only 24 of those being assisted tackles. Projected over a full 16-game season, he was on pace for roughly 145 to 150 tackles, which would have placed him in the top five in the NFL.