Bears sign CB, cut McKie

The Bears late this afternoon signed former Colts cornerback Tim Jennings, a four-year veteran who became a free agent when he was not tendered a contract offer by Indianapolis.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pound former second-round pick (62nd overall) out of Georgia had 2 interceptions in each of the past two seasons, when he started a total of 17 games. He is expected to compete for a job as the Bears' nickel cornerback, and on special teams, his two primary roles last year with the Colts.

The Bears also released fullback Jason McKie today, their primary starter for the past seven seasons. McKie played in 71 games with 35 starts from 2003-09. He caught 62 passes for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 84 yards and 3 scores on 29 carries.

Last Wednesday the Bears signed free-agent fullback Eddie Williams, a seventh-round draft pick of the Redskins in 2009, who spent most of the season on the practice squad. The 6-foot-1, 249-pound Williams is the only fullback on the roster, although Will Ta’ufo’ou was on the practice squad last season. Williams caught 100 passes for 1,205 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons at Idaho, adding 19 rushes for 195 yards and 3 scores.