Bears terminate contract of CB Manning

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:07 PM LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bears terminated the contract of cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. on Tuesday.

The five-year veteran, originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft out of UCLA, fell out of favor in Chicago last season, his third campaign with the club. He set a career high with five interceptions in 2006 but saw his playing time diminish in 2007 and he did not register a pick.

As a rookie, Manning gained public recognition with his three-interception performance in the 2003 NFC championship game, leading the Panthers to a 14-3 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles to clinch a Super Bowl berth. After two seasons with the Panthers, Manning signed with the Bears as a restricted free agent in 2005.

For his career, Manning has started 37 of 79 games, totaling 14 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and three touchdowns.