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Buccaneers sign Tim Jennings, reuniting CB with former coach

By Cody Williams

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tim Jennings has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play under his old coach in Lovie Smith

After 10 seasons with the Chicago Bears, the organization cut two-time Pro Bowler Tim Jennings this weekend as they began the process of whittling down their roster to 53 men. The 31-year-old cornerback had seen his star fade in Chicago as he’d also seen his role diminish.

After less than a week on the open market in free agency, though, Jennings has decided to play with some familiar faces. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Jennings has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

As Rapoport mentions, Jennings will be playing in Tampa under head coach Lovie Smith, whom he also played under for several years with the Bears. That familiarity certainly factored into Jennings’ decision as he can fit into the defensive schemes that he already learned under Smith in Chicago.

However, Jennings will also be joining other former Bears teammates with the Bucs in Chris Conte, Henry Melton, and Major Wright.

Jennings may not have a tremendous role in Tampa Bay either, but playing under Smith once again certainly offers him more of an opportunity than he would have had under a new regime in Chicago. Moreover, Jennings’ veteran presence should prove to be valuable in a locker room anchored by young talent.

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