Bears' OT J'Marcus Webb Arrested On Drug Charges

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 27, 2013 9:20PM

While the Bears have drawn lots of attention this off-season for their firing of Lovie Smith and hiring of Marc Trestman, the players have been fairly quiet since the season ended.

That changed today with the news that left tackle J'Marcus Webb was arrested on drug charges in downstate Pulaski County. According to report by KFVS TV, Webb was charged with possession of controlled substance, cannabis and paraphernalia.

The Bears issued a statement confirming the run-in with the law:

“We are aware of the recent arrest of J’Marcus Webb in Pulaski County, Illinois. We are currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the arrest.”

Webb, along with the rest of the offensive line, was already on the hot seat. When asked about Webb last week, Trestman refused to address his play directly. But given the line's poor play in recent years, that's likely to be the team's key focus in the upcoming draft and during free agency. A seventh round draft pick in 2010, Webb was the Bears' primary starter at left tackle the past two seasons.

While Webb's transgression is unlikely to cost him his spot on the roster, it doesn't strengthen his case for an extension before his rookie deal is up in 2014. And given that nobody's job is safe on the line, the risk of a suspension by the league if found guilty certainly doesn't help him hold onto his starting spot.