Chicago Bears to workout free agent linebacker Shaq Quarterman

The Chicago Bears are reportedly hosting former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Shaquille Quarterman for a workout this week before training camp starts, according to Adam Schefter. If Quarterman performs well, he could land a roster spot before training camp after spending the offseason as a free agent.

Quarterman’s rookie contract with the Jaguars expired in March after four seasons with the team. He is now free to sign with any other team for the first time in his career.

The Jaguars drafted Quarterman out of Miami with the No. 140 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He contributed as a rookie, playing in 12 games and tallying six tackles. His second season was his most productive, however, as he played in 17 games and racked up 30 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

In his third season with Jacksonville, Quarterman had 16 tackles in 17 games played. He also notched his first career forced fumble. Though he wasn’t a starter for the Jaguars, he made plenty of contributions on special teams. Last season, he had two tackles in 17 games played before the team opted not to extend his contract into 2024.

At Miami, Quarterman was a three-time All-ACC player with two first-team awards and one second-team award. The Orange Park, Florida native had 107 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble in his final collegiate season before entering the draft.

If Quarterman manages to make a good impression with the Bears, he will join a linebacker room with another ACC standout Tremaine Edmunds.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially ran out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13, teams could enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marked the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marked the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hit.