Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman has signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal to return to the Chicago Bears secondary next season.
ESPN reports the Bears have re-inked one of the central cogs to their once dominant defense after first allowing him to test the free agent market.
“Charles is one of the NFL’s great players and a true leader on and off the field and we’re happy he will be staying in Chicago,” said Bears general manager Phil Emery. “He remains the best in our game at forcing turnovers and always has brought a tough, physical presence to our secondary. Charles also has a special connection to the people and community across Chicago and we’re excited for that to continue.”
Tillman met with Tampa Bay and new coach Lovie Smith, whom he previously played nine seasons for in Chicago, but was unable to broker a deal with his former coach. Talks between the Bucs and Tillman apparently disintegrated after Tampa Bay signed fellow Pro Bowl free-agent cornerback Alterraun Verner to a four-year deal for $22.5 million earlier in the week and after releasing Darrelle Revis.
In rejoining with the Bears, Tillman, who earned more than $8 million is 2013, takes a significant pay cut, but ESPN reports the appeal of potentially finishing his career in Chicago and not having to uproot his family likely proved to be determining factors.
Selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2003 draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Tillman was named the 2013 winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, even though he played in just eight games due to a torn triceps.
Still, Tillman forced six turnovers and his 36 career interceptions rank him third in franchise history. Tillman also owns the team record for interception return yards with 675 yards and interception return touchdowns with eight.
