Jennings could be facing a lot of competition

Nine-year veteran Charles Tillman went to his first Pro Bowl last season, but at 31, he can’t go on forever.

But, for now, he’s the Bears’ only returning cornerback with the size (6-foot-2, 198 pounds) and physical talents to match up with the big wide receivers so common in the NFL, like the Lions’ Calvin Johnson (6-5, 235).

Tim Jennings has been the starter for most of the past two seasons across from Tillman.

At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Jennings plays bigger than his size and is a willing run supporter, which is important in the Bears’ scheme, but they still would like an upgrade over the six-year veteran. D.J. Moore is a bit undersized, too, but with his quickness, he’s effective as the nickel corner, and he led the Bears with 4 interceptions last season, giving him 8 over the past two years.

Chicago native and seven-year veteran Kelvin Hayden and four-year veteran Jonathan Wilhite were signed as unrestricted free agents to offset the loss of backups Zack Bowman and Corey Graham, who signed with the Vikings and Ravens, respectively.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Hayden, a former Fighting Illini, has been a starter for most of his NFL career and could challenge Jennings for the starting spot.