Safety D. Manning unhappy ....

[Pax for Prez]

On a day the Bears added insurance at cornerback, the future of another member of the defensive backfield remained unclear.

Danieal Manning, one of the Bears' four unsigned restricted free agents, is unlikely to attend the start of the offseason workout program March 29 as he awaits a new contract.

The Bears tendered Manning, a second-round pick in 2006, at the original-round level, meaning he would earn $1.176 million for 2010 if he signs the one-year offer.

The Bears would receive a third-round draft pick as compensation if any team signs Manning away with an offer sheet the Bears decline to match. The deadline to receive an offer sheet is April 15.

"He's definitely not happy with the way he was tendered,'' agent Russel Hicks said of his client, Manning. "Until he gets a contract, he won't be attending any offseason workouts.''

Such won't be the case for cornerback Tim Jennings, who joined the Bears Tuesday as the team simultaneously released veteran fullback Jason McKie.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pound Jennings was a second-round pick of Indianapolis out of Georgia — 20 slots below Manning in the '06 draft — and spent four seasons with the Colts, starting 21 games. He has 157 career tackles to go with four interceptions and 29 special teams tackles.

With Charles Tillman recovering from a bruised lung and four cracked ribs — not to mention previous shoulder injuries — and Zack Bowman hospitalized at least twice last season with stomach issues, the Bears needed depth at cornerback.

Tillman and Bowman are projected to be the starters, with Nathan Vasher, Corey Graham, and D.J. Moore expected to at least make it to training camp. The 26-year-old Jennings, who played mostly in the nickel package last season while starting five games, signed a two-year deal.

Hicks and the Bears previously discussed a two-year deal for Manning. Restricted free agents can participate in the voluntary offseason workouts without signing tenders by signing an injury waiver. The injury waiver has not been discussed in Manning's case, Hicks said.

Hicks said he is hopeful another team is willing to surrender a third-round pick for Manning, arguably the best athlete on the team. The Bears are expected to give Manning a shot at strong safety if he remains on the roster.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 5776.story

Hopefully the Bears can trade Manning for a 3rd or 4th rd pick !!

[Chewie]

A better kick returner than a safety to be sure and we've got Knox, Hester, and Bennett to do that.

[Jeffster81]

Manning isn't worth the headache. If another team is willing to part with a third rder for him, then adios Manning. You ain't THAT good.

[Cliff Levingston]

Manning is pretty good as a nickel back, but then again, you don't want to pay a whole hell of a lot for a nickel back.