Tim

Jennings

Jennings had arthroscopic ankle surgery during the offseason. It’s not known when he’ll begin practicing.

Specifically, Jennings’ agent said “don’t be surprised” if he soon re-signs. It was reported in January that Jennings was seeking a “significant raise” from the $1.9 million he earned last season. Although he was benched for the Bears’ Christmas day loss to the Packers, Jennings had a solid year in 2011, grading out as the league’s 17th best cornerback by Pro Football Focus.

Jennings has been a 28-game starter the past two seasons after the Bears signed him for a song in 2010. Physically limited but ideally suited to Lovie Smith’s defense, Jennings was one of just two starting corners not to allow a touchdown in 2011, according to Pro Football Focus. The Bears can now focus on Mario Williams and wide receivers in free agency.

The report is surprising two weeks after Jennings’ agent hinted he was on the verge of re-signing. Jennings was believed to be seeking a “significant raise,” and the Bears aren’t going to overspend to keep him.

Jennings is coming off a nightmare game against the Seahawks, but has still graded out positively for the season by Pro Football Focus. Bowman has been used sparingly, notching just 10 tackles in 14 games. The move should have little effect on Sunday’s game.

Bowman made a bad impression in his first start of the season. Yes, Aaron Rodgers shreds everyone. But the Packers were clearly picking on Bowman. The Bears haven’t found an answer opposite Charles Tillman as normal starter Tim Jennings was demoted ahead of this game.

The Bears benched Jennings late in the season, so it’s hard to imagine they think he’s worthy. While Chicago is expected to make Jennings an offer, it sounds like he may price himself out of their range. Jennings is a 5-foot-8 zone corner. Most other NFL teams won’t view him as more than a nickel back.

It’s not as if Bowman played well against the Packers, but this makes us wonder if Jennings’ benching was more discipline than performance related. Despite obvious size drawbacks, Jennings has been a solid cornerback for most of the season. He has 71 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception.