Charles Tillman Visited With The Buccaneers On Wednesday

Update:

The Buccaneers announced that veteran CB Charles Tillman visited with them on Wednesday.

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the meeting on Tuesday.

Tillman unfortunately suffered a triceps injury last year and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve in October.

He still managed to contribute 42 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles in just eight games for the Bears.

We have Tillman listed as the No. 53 player in our recently updated Top 100 Free Agents list.

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Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune, citing two sources with knowledge of the situation, reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested in free agent Bears CB Charles Tillman.

The sources confirmed what has long been rumored.  Charles Tillman has always been a favorite of new Bucs HC Lovie Smith, and with Darrelle Revis possibly on the way out, Tillman could slide into that position.

The Bears have expressed some interest in retaining Tillman, but it is unclear what kind of financial commitment they would be willing to make to the 33 year-old cornerback.  GM Phil Emery has expressly stated his desire to inject youth into the team’s aging defense, and the Bears already re-signed CB Tim Jennings to a 4-year $22.4 million deal.

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According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Carolina Panthers could be an option for free agent CB Charles Tillman if he’s not back with the Bears next season.

While there is still a chance that Tillman could re-sign with the Bears, there has been talk that he may have to accept a team-friendly contract. Others have suggested that Tillman may need to consider moving to safety next season, which is something he has previously said that he wouldn’t be interested in doing.

The Panthers could use some help in the secondary at both cornerback and safety, but would likely be shopping for value in free agency.