Bears Sign Jennings, Cut Nathan Vasher

The revolving door in the Chicago Bears secondary continues as the Bears ushered in Tim Jennings and cut loose Nathan Vasher.  When I heard the Bears signed the 5’8″ 185 pound cornerback from Indianapolis, my first thought was, “that shows you what they think of Nathan Vasher.”

So it came as no surprise to me today when word came that the Bears released Vasher.  Although Vasher started his Bears career strong, recording 16 interceptions in his first three seasons, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2005, he faded quickly.

Vash struggled in the last few seasons.  He battled injuries in ’07-’08 and basically forgot how to cover and/or tackle, leading to a nice, cozy seat on the bench in ’09.  The Bears got so desperate, they even tried Vasher at safety.

The worst part is that Vasher got a big, fat contract and failed to do anything since.  Sound familiar?  Maybe this will be the wake up cal he needs to get back his old form.

Here’s my favorite Vasher Chicago Bears moment, his 108-yard missed FG return against the 49ers on a ridiculously windy game at Soldier Field back in 2006.  Take special note of the escort that Brian Urlacher provides.  How many guys does he block on this return?  Awesome play!

As one guy exits, another enters.  The Bears signed free agent cornerback Tim Jennings.  Jennings spent the last four seasons with the Colts.  He started 5 games for Indy last season, tallying two picks and ten passes defensed.  Jennings should add some depth to the secondary given the injuries that Peanut Tillman and Zack Bowman battled last season.

My biggest question is why we need another undersized corner.  The guy is 5’8″ – what is he going to do against a 6’4″ Randy Moss or a 6’3″ 225 pound Andre Johnson?

Once last quick little aside.  When the Bears signed Jennings, they released Jason McKie, who didn’t figure into the plans for Mike Martz’s offense.  McKie was a stand up guy and a class act with the Bears.  If you’re on Twitter, show him some love @jmack37.