Chicago Bears Dump Veteran FB Jason McKie, Add CB Tim Jennings
Published by Jake Perper on March 17, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Finally the Bears disposed of some wasted roster space. They released veteran fullback Jason McKie.
The 29-year-old seven-season veteran, appeared in 71 games with 35 starts for the Bears. He rushed for 84 yards, three touchdowns on 29 carries, and caught 62 passes for 344 yards and three TDs.
McKie was known for his blocking skills more then his running ability and it has been said he that he didn’t fit Mike Martz’s scheme. Newly added FB Eddie Williams seems to fit better because of his size, 6′1″ and his ability to catch out of the backfield.
I was never a big fan of McKie on the field, but he was a real leader in the locker room and I respect that. Hopefully Eddie Williams is a real blocker because Forte needs all the help he can get.
In other news, the Bears added former Colts cornerback Tim Jennings.
Jennings was a 2006 second-round draft pick out of Georgia. The four-year veteran was not tendered by the Colts after disappointing last season. He was used in nickel situations only and was a part of the 2006 Championship team but only as a reserve.
In four seasons, Jennings has appeared in 53 games, making 161 tackles, four interceptions and forcing three fumbles.
The 5′8″ corner seems to be too small for the NFL, but he might be either a nice fit in the nickel package for the Bears or as added depth. Lovie Smith really likes big corners that’s why Charles Tillman and Zackary Bowman will be the starters come week one of the season.
With Jennings signing a two year deal , he joins Corey Graham, DJ Moore, and Danieal Manning as the other corners on the roster.
The Bears have tendered Danieal Manning, but he wants a contract extension; he isn’t very happy the Bears haven’t offered him one yet.
I think it would be a mistake not signing Manning, he is one of the most versatile players on the team, if not the most versatile. He can return kicks and punts and play nickelback as well as both safety positions.
The Bears need to resign Manning now before it gets out of hand.
Who knows what Tim Jennings can bring to the Bears, but all I know is Jason McKie needed to go and now that he’s gone the offense could be that much better.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
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