Monday, Aug 29, 2011 12:14 PM

Seahawks send CB Jennings to Bengals for DT McDonald

RENTON, Wash. -- The Seahawks traded former first-round draft pick Kelly Jennings to the Cincinnati Bengals for defensive tackle Clinton McDonald on Monday, giving the cornerback a chance to get past his disappointing times in Seattle.

Jennings was the 31st overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Miami, but he struggled while dealing with larger receivers throughout his career in Seattle. He played in 78 games and started 43 with the Seahawks, but he had just two interceptions in his five seasons.

Jennings was deemed expendable in Seattle with the development of Walter Thurmond and the offseason acquisition of Brandon Browner.

"We looked at him in the offseason a little bit," Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said. "He can run. Now we have to try and get him playing good."

The Bengals have been trying to upgrade their secondary since the NFL lockout ended. Starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph left for the Houston Texans as a free agent, deciding he had a better chance to win with them. No. 3 cornerback Adam Jones is recovering from neck surgery and isn't allowed to participate in contact drills.

The Bengals signed free-agent cornerback Nate Clements to take Joseph's spot. Coach Marvin Lewis said the Bengals considered Jennings before signing Clements.

"It seemed like a move that was good for both clubs," Lewis said. "It's sad we had to watch Clinton walk out the door in order for it to happen, but if he (Jennings) comes in like we expect, he can play 500-600 snaps this season, even more. He gives us some more depth."

McDonald was a seventh-round choice of the Bengals in 2009. He played in eight games last season after being signed from the practice squad.