The cuts keep on coming. The Houston Texans have released linebacker Brian Cushing, and the Chicago Bears have released linebacker Jerrell Freeman, both according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, citing sources.
Cushing is Houston’s all-time leading tackler, but has faced multiple suspensions for performance-enhancing substances over the course of his career. He faced a 10-game suspension last season, and at this point in his career, resembles what appears to be a large, congealed mass of illicit substances. Very veiny.
He’s appeared in just one full 16-game season and one 100-plus tackle season since 2012, and the Texans save $7.6 million against the 2018 salary cap by cutting him. Cushing knew this release was coming.
Freeman was also suspended for 10 games due to performance-enhancing substances last season, and spent all but one game on injured reserve. He also said he was suffering from memory loss, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s set to retire. It’s a sad set of circumstances for the 31-year-old linebacker.
Cutting Freeman saves the Bears $3.5 million on their 2018 salary cap, with a dead hit of just $500,000.
The San Francisco 49ers have a need at linebacker and most mock drafts have them leaning that way, especially after Reuben Foster’s arrest and the team’s complete radio silence on the matter. But I don’t think they’d be all that interested in either of these players. I certainly am not.