Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears still talking
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) runs after an interception against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears haven’t been expected to re-sign veteran cornerback Charles Tillman, who has been something of an institution with the franchise as a standout player. He didn’t have his best season in 2013 due to nagging injuries, with a wrist injury causing him to hit the injured reserve. When he was healthy in 2012, Tillman was one of the game’s top cornerbacks, and the Bears could certainly use him back, especially after being unable to make any splash signings at the safety position (Ryan Mundy is decent, but I have no idea why the Bears signed M.D. Jennings).
Most of the smoke regarding Tillman has him linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Bears head coach Lovie Smith, who would love to bring him in as a No. 2 corner opposite of Alterraun Verner. The Buccaneers have been extremely aggressive in free agency, and he would join Josh McCown and other splash signings in Tampa. In fact, Tillman is in Tampa Bay right now on a free agent visit with the Bucs, and that’s a development worth watching closely.
Despite all this mutual interest between the Bucs and Tillman, the Bears haven’t given up on re-signing the corner. According to ESPN Chicago’s Michael C. Wright, Bears GM Phil Emery stated that negotiations have been “an ongoing conversation”, and it will be interesting to see if he does end up staying in Chicago instead of signing with TB.