Tim Jennings Cut by Bears: Latest Comments and Reaction

Head-turning roster moves are part of almost every NFL preseason, and the Chicago Bears made one of those Sunday when they released cornerback Tim Jennings, per the team. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news first.

Jennings is not that far removed from two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances following the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He appeared in all 16 games in 2014 but did not tally a single interception and only notched seven passes defended. It was a noticeable drop-off from the combined 13 picks in the two previous campaigns.

Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times pointed out that Jennings said he was still working back to form following offseason knee surgery.     

While health is a factor with any roster decision, Jennings’ lack of production in 2014 was part of a larger issue on that side of the ball for the Bears. Chicago finished an abysmal 30th in the league in passing yards allowed per game and consistently failed to come up with critical plays on third downs.

That continued in the preseason during Saturday’s 21-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals when Andy Dalton and AJ McCarron combined to finish 18-of-23 for 188 yards against the Bears secondary.

Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com listed Jennings’ performance as a “low” from the highs and lows of the contest: “Jennings was the sixth cornerback to enter the game. That’s not a good sign for the highly paid veteran. The Bears started Alan Ball opposite Kyle Fuller in their base defense, and used Sherrick McManis at nickelback.” 

Outside of performance and injury, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune passed along a quote from Jennings suggesting age was a factor in Sunday’s decision.

Jennings is 31 years old compared to 23-year-old Kyle Fuller and 27-year-old Sherrick McManis. Fuller assumed most of the responsibilities of the team’s No. 1 corner position in 2014 after Charles Tillman went down with injury.

Even veterans Alan Ball (30) and Tracy Porter (29) are younger than Jennings.

Jennings’ prime is in the rearview mirror, and the Bears are looking to turn things around in the secondary following a disappointing season. They will now try to do that without the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback.