The Chicago Bears signed cornerback Charles Tillman to a six-year contract extension on Tuesday after an impressive season last year. Tillman, a second-round draft pick in 2003, has started 49 games with the team over four seasons. Tillman recorded five interceptions last year, and should be starting again this season alongside Nathan Vasher.

"They compromised. We compromised," Tillman said. "They were willing to listen. We were willing to listen. That's how it got done."

Tillman hopes that teammate and defensive standout linebacker Lance Briggs will not decide to sit out this season. Briggs is upset that the team did not give him a new contract, and instead made him their franchise player.

"I'm sure Lance had a lot to do with us being a top defense," Tillman said. "We'll miss him. I really will."