Bears sign Colt corner Jennings; cut McKie

The Bears on Tuesday 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 signed a two-year contract and is expected to compete for a job as the Bears' nickel cornerback, and on special teams, his primary roles last year with the Colts.

The Bears also released fullback Jason McKie, their primary starter over the past seven seasons. McKie played 71 games with 35 starts from 2003-09, but was not expected to have a role in new coordinator Mike Martz's offense. McKie caught 62 passes for 344 yards and 3 TDs 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.