Chicago Bears Roster Review: Tim Jennings
By Kim Praser
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has quite a rebuilding project on his hands. In the next phase of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we look at the players who are currently on the Bears roster. We’ll look back at their 2014 season and look ahead to how they might fit into the team’s plans in 2015.
Tim Jennings, CB, 31
2014 Season
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
In 2014, Jennings completed his tenth season as corner back. He started all 16 games, but that’s about it. He failed to make the Pro-Bowl, unlike making it in 2013 and 2012, he did not make any interceptions, no touchdowns. He only had 50 total tackles, 14 of which were assisted, compared to previous years when he was in the 50’s with total number of solo tackles.
Career
Jennings has played 115 games at corner back with 79 starts during eight seasons with Indianapolis (2006-09) and Chicago (2010-present). His total stats include: 461 tackles (382 solo); 20 interceptions, with 3 returned for a touchdown; 70 pass break ups, 9 forced fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries. In 2012, he led the NFL with 9 interceptions, tied for second most in Bears single-season history. This makes him the fourth player in Bears franchise history to lead the NFL in interceptions in a single-season joining Mark Carrier (10 in 1990), Roosevelt Taylor (9 in 1963) and Clyde “Bulldog” Turner (8 in 1942). In 2006, he was Super Bowl Champion with the Colts; so he does have a ring.
2015 Outlook
With the Chicago Bears, Jennings earns a $5.25 million paycheck. At the end of the 2013 season, his contract was extended for another four years. Unfortunately, he has not proven his worth this past season as he did in the 2012 and 2013 years.
Regardless, Pace and Fox are stuck with Jennings, unless they plan to cut him and deal with his salary going against the cap. Hopefully, this new coaching staff will be able to regenerate new energy into this 31-year-old who, we hope, is not set in his ways. Jennings should acknowledge that his time is limited and that he hasn’t been playing up to his potential. If he gets his act together, he could be the veteran role model needed to help the defense maintain a focus and stop that ball.