March 11--The Chicago Bears introduced Danny Trevathan on Thursday and remain active in seeking someone to play alongside him at inside linebacker.
Jerrell Freeman of the Indianapolis Colts is visiting the team on Friday and the Bears remain in play for 2012 first-round draft pick Shea McClellin, but contract talks have not progressed, according to a source familiar with the situation. McClellin is visiting the New York Jets on Friday but his preference has been to re-sign with the Bears.
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks arrives on Friday to visit Halas Hall and is expected to get a physical Saturday morning. Unless the Bears sign Hicks, he's expected to travel from Chicago to Detroit to visit the Lions. The New England Patriots remain in play to re-sign Hicks and the New York Jets are also interested in him.
Freeman, 6-foot, 240 pounds, made 112 tackles in 13 games for the 26th-ranked Colts defense last season. He turns 30 on May 1 and has started 57 games the last four seasons.
A pro scout from an AFC South club offered his assessment of Freeman.
"Undersized three-down 'backer with above average athleticism, speed and was productive but he shows average strength and take-on ability," the scout wrote in a text. "He's a starter with limitations. Doesn't wow you with splash plays but he is dependable and a stat sheet filler."
McClellin started 12 games for the Bears last season and finished third with 96 tackles in his first season at inside linebacker. After starting as a defensive end and then being moved to outside linebacker, he found his best position and was supported by coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Bears have worked to re-sign him but want him to compete for a starting position this coming season.
The roster is thin at inside linebacker and it's a poor draft class for the position. Freeman gives the Bears another option if they are not able to work out a deal with McClellin. It's not known what Freeman's market is like right now but seems unlikely he will return to Indianapolis.
The Bear also have veteran tight end Jermaine Gresham in for a visit and could sign him. Zach Miller remains an option.
bmbiggs@tribpub.com
