Chicago Bears Roster Cuts 2015: Tim Jennings, Rick Lovato and Jeremy Kelley all gone

The Chicago Bears aren't required to get down to 75 players until Tuesday afternoon, but they started paring away their roster today. The fist cut, and one of the more surprising so far this preseason, is two time pro bowl cornerback Tim Jennings.

The Bears started Alan Ball opposite Kyle Fuller at corner last night, and Jennings was actually the 6th cornerback to come into the game. Jennings was originally signed by the Bears to play in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 in 2010 and with the scheme change to Vic Fangio's 3-4, the team decided to go in a different direction.

According to Spotrac, Jennings' entire 2015 salary is guaranteed and the Bears will be hit with $6.75 million in dead cap space.

With Jennings gone, that probably means that 2nd year pro Terrence Mitchell's roster spot is secure. Mitchell has been one of the few bright spots on D during the first three preseason games. Jennings was also in the mix at nickleback, so his release is also good news for Sherrick McManis who was the #1 nickle last night against the Bengals.

EDIT:

Though Tim Jennings' $4.4M salary for 2015 was fully gtd, his deal included offsets. If he signs elsewhere, Bears get cap relief accordingly

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 30, 2015

The 31 year old Jennings won't get big money, so don't expect much cap relief.

In another roster move, Brad Biggs is reporting that wide out Jeremy Kelley is being placed on waivers. Kelley was a late addition to camp and was a long shot to make the team.

Biggs is also reporting that long-snapper Rick Lovato was released.

Keep it right here for all your roster cut news...