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Chicago Bears cut longtime starting cornerback Tim Jennings (Shutdown Corner)

In a move that could kickstart the Chicago Bears' identity shift on defense, the team has released cornerback Tim Jennings.

The 31-year-old Jennings had started 74 of the past 80 games for the Bears at corner and had four- and nine-interception seasons for them in 2013 and 2012, respectively. He has played nine years in the NFL, with his first four seasons coming with the Indianapolis Colts.

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Jennings is not considered an ideal fit with the Bears' new defensive scheme, which promises to be more man-coverage heavy.