Earlier this afternoon, former Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency to a three-year deal worth a reported $12 million (with $6 million in guarantees and $2 million in incentives).
Advertisement
In six postseason games, Freeman has 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Fox also impressed Freeman when the Bears and Colts practiced together in Indianapolis last August before their preseason game, and the front office and coaches made another strong impression during their free-agency pitch.
The Colts now have an important position on defense to fill this offseason after middle linebacker Jerrell Freeman opted to sign with the Chicago Bears. Freeman spent his first year post-college on the Colts practice squad and then spent the next two years in the CFL before spending the last four back with the Colts.
The Colts’ negotiations with Freeman were reminiscent of other recent contract talks.
The Chicago Bears are historically famous for their great defense, as their only Super Bowl victory came behind one of the greatest defenses of all-time in 1985. It has prompted the Colts to take a hard line on contract negotiations.
The Colts could have easily spared the $4 million per year to sign a valuable player like Freeman.
What are your thoughts on the Bears picking up Freeman. With the Colts letting him walk, it makes you wonder what the plan is for GM Ryan Grigson.
The Bears landed one of the top free agent linebackers on the market when they signed Super Bowl Champion linebacker Danny Trevathan to a four-year deal, and they are not done bolstering their defense, as they have agreed to terms with another notable free agent linebacker Saturday. Instead, the Colts offered him a deal significantly less than what they offered to Jackson. The moves address one of the Bears’ biggest needs and give them two new starters.
Advertisement
The Colts had roughly $10 million to spend in free agency after a few re-signings and allocating money for the upcoming rookie class and Andrew Luck’s looming contract. The draft options were a factor in the decision to let Freeman walk.
