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Chicago Bears cut longtime starting cornerback Tim Jennings

Chicago Bears cut longtime starting cornerback Tim Jennings

In a move that could kickstart the Chicago Bears' identity shift on defense, the team has released cornerback Tim Jennings.

The 31-year-old Jennings had started 74 of the past 80 games for the Bears at corner and had four- and nine-interception seasons for them in 2013 and 2012, respectively. He has played nine years in the NFL, with his first four seasons coming with the Indianapolis Colts.

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Jennings is not considered an ideal fit with the Bears' new defensive scheme, which promises to be more man-coverage heavy. His best skill is in zone coverage, and he might be able to fit a number of teams that play that as their primary coverage.

Former Bears head coach Lovie Smith is running the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense and could convince Jennings to sign there. The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys also are possibilities, with both teams perhaps seeking more secondary depth.

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The handwriting was on the wall Saturday night when Jennings was playing in the fourth quarter of the Bears game against the Cincinnati Bengals alongside third-team defenders. He was the sixth cornerback to enter the game.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!