Report: Chicago Bears release Jerrell Freeman

As first reported by Pro Football Talk, the Chicago Bears have released inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman who had one more year left on the three year contract he signed in 2016.

Cutting the 31-year old Freeman will save the Bears $3,500,000 on their 2018 salary cap, and they’ll only get hit with $500,000 in dead cap space.

Freeman was a very good player when he was on the field for the Bears, but a season ending injury after only one game in 2017, coupled with his second suspension for PED use in as many years sealed his fate in Chicago.

With Freeman out, that opens the door for third year pro Nick Kwiatkoski to start alongside Danny Trevathan at inside linebacker. Then again, when they are up with the eighth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, inside linebacker could be in play.

The Bears also have free agent ILB Christian Jones they need to make a decision on.

What are your thoughts on this latest move by the Bears?