Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Shaquille Quarterman is currently in talks with an NFC team, potentially setting the stage for a reunion on the Jaguars’ schedule.
As per a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Quarterman is undergoing a workout session for the Chicago Bears. This development holds significance as the Jaguars are slated to face the Bears in Week 6 of the upcoming season, set to take place in London. This circumstance raises the intriguing prospect of Quarterman facing his former team on the field.
After completing a four-season tenure with the Jaguars, Quarterman entered free agency this offseason when his contract expired. Originally drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 140th overall pick, Quarterman embarked on his professional career with the Jaguars.
Quarterman’s rookie season saw him participate in 12 games, primarily contributing on special teams where he registered six tackles. His sophomore campaign in 2021 saw him elevate his role, appearing in all 17 games and tallying 30 tackles along with one tackle for loss.
In 2022, Quarterman continued to establish himself as a reliable presence on the Jaguars’ defensive roster under the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson and then-defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. He maintained his perfect attendance record, participating in all 17 games once more and notching 16 tackles. Notably, Quarterman achieved a career milestone during this season by forcing a pivotal fumble from Derrick Henry in a crucial road victory over the Tennessee Titans, a win that bolstered the Jaguars’ late-season playoff push.
The following year, Quarterman returned for his fourth season with the Jaguars in 2023, continuing his contributions across all facets of the game. While his defensive statistics were modest with two tackles, he remained a fixture on special teams, playing in 51% of the team’s snaps in that capacity. Throughout his tenure in Jacksonville, Quarterman demonstrated durability and commitment, appearing in a total of 63 regular-season contests and participating in two playoff games.
As Quarterman explores potential opportunities with the Bears, his workout session signifies a pivotal moment in his post-Jaguars career. The prospect of joining an NFC team like the Bears not only offers him the chance to continue his NFL journey but also presents the intriguing scenario of facing his former teammates in a high-stakes matchup later in the season.
The NFL offseason is a period of transition and opportunity for players like Quarterman, who seek to leverage their skills and experience to secure roles with new teams. For Quarterman, the workout with the Bears represents a crucial step in this process, potentially paving the way for a fresh start and renewed challenges in the upcoming season.
As Quarterman awaits further developments in his free agency journey, his dedication and contributions during his time with the Jaguars have positioned him as a seasoned professional capable of making an impact at the highest level of competition. Whether he ultimately joins the Bears or explores other avenues, Quarterman’s journey underscores the resilience and determination required to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.
