We’ve watched cornerback Charles Tillman play in a Bears uniform for his entire 12-year NFL career, but it looks like he’ll be wearing different colors in 2015.
Adam Caplan of ESPN reports that the Panthers are expected to sign Tillman after visiting with him this week. The move will reunite Tillman with Panthers coach Ron Rivera, who ran the defense in Chicago from 2004-2006 when Tillman’s career was just getting started.
Tillman was a fixture in the starting lineup by the time Rivera left the Windy City and he remained one straight through the 2013 season. A torn right triceps cost Tillman eight games and he missed all but two games of last season after suffering the same injury.
If Tillman is able to remain healthy and hasn’t lost too much while on the sideline the last two seasons, he would stand a good chance at earning playing time in Carolina. Josh Norman and Bene’ Benwikere are ticketed for roles in the secondary, but there’s not much else in the cupboard after the Panthers were unable to land Alan Ball.
UPDATE 3:54 p.m. ET: The Panthers announced that Tillman has signed a one-year deal with the team.