Bears release Jerrell Freeman, opt not to pick up Josh Sitton's option, per reports

The Chicago Bears released veteran linebacker Jerrell Freeman on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. The Bears also do not plan to plan to pick up the option of guard Josh Sitton, according to NFL Network.

Freeman was a starter in 2016 but was placed on injured reserve after just one game last season with a pectoral injury and a concussion. He also served a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. 

Freeman said he was experiencing memory loss and feared his career might be ending due to the head injury.

“I’ve been on IR all year and you try and stay out of sight, but sorry for the distraction," Freeman wrote on Twitter after the suspension. "I had been lying to friends, family and loved ones when it came to the question of 'Are you OK?'. Knowing my career may over due everything that came with the head injury (that’s been purposely downplayed by me), memory loss and all, has actually been a bit of a struggle. That being said there’s no excuse to cope with any problems by taking any kind of pills. I don’t know my future but a big thanks to the Bears and the NFL, if I would have used their programs and services earlier than I did I wouldn’t be in this situation. Sorry again for the distraction.”

Sitton, 31, was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, most recently in 2016 with the Bears. He played eight years with the Green Bay Packers before joining Chicago.

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