I would agree, I'd still eat it. Usually you can see freezer burn even after it's thawed. Just cut it off. Not the same as fresh, but who can eat a whole deer at one sitting. As for sausage or any ground meat, I try to leave it in 1 or 2 pound chunks until time to use. Then grind accordingly. I've found it keeps better than if ground when killed. We usually use our's up by March or April, but do have less disirable cuts left til summer. You would be amazed at what sauces will cover. I would try it. You have nothing to lose. Good Luck. Capt Brad.