Update:
Ian Rapoport tweets that there is still a chance that CB Charles Tillman could re-sign with the Bears, even though he may test the open market in March.
Meanwhile, Jason Cole of the National Football Post mentions that you can “bet on” Tillman returning to the Bears next season.
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A year after the Bears watched one of their best defensive players all time retire rather than sign a low-value contract, they are faced with a somewhat similar situation with veteran CB Charles Tillman.
Tillman, 32, is just one year removed from a sensational season in which he produced 85 tackles, three interceptions — all of which were returned for touchdowns — and a staggering 10 forced fumbles for the Bears defense. However, Tillman dealt with a number of injuries during the 2013 season, which relegated him to playing in just eight games.
At this point in time, it appears as though Tillman could be playing for a new team next year, and earlier speculation is that he could join his former HC Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay.
“This is the first time in my life that I have had to make a decision like this,” Tillman said, via the Chicago Tribune. “I am just looking to see how it plays out. I’m not stressing. I’m not worried about it.”
“I am just going to see what happens. I have some options, I have some thoughts.”
Chicago has already mentioned that they intend to focus on rebuilding their defense in 2014, so it seems unlikely that retaining Tillman would be at the top of their priorities list.
We have Tillman currently listed as the No. 77 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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