Free-agent cornerback Charles Tillman has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced on Thursday.

It was reported that both the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been interested in acquiring the veteran, but the Panthers won the race to sign him.

The former second-round Draft pick had spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears, but the 34-year-old ended his 12-year association with the franchise in a mutual split.

"I think coach [Ron] Rivera was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be here," Tillman said, ESPN reports.

"He's a guy that I had a lot of respect for when I was in Chicago. I love his leadership and his qualities as a coach and he's done a good job with the Panthers."

Tillman previously worked with Rivera when he was the Bears' defensive co-ordinator, and had five interceptions in each of the last two seasons during their time together at the franchise.