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A good AOL SPorts article that takes a look at 30 people who will affect the 2007 NFL season.

The Bears signed cornerback Charles Tillman to a contract extension today that will keep him in Chicago through 2013 and pay him a total of $38 million, with $18 million guaranteed. (UPDATE: It was really more along the lines of $29 million through 2012.) Tillman is a young and talented player, and the contract seems to be a fair deal for both sides.

But look a little closer at the Bears’ defense, and it shows that Chicago is putting a lot of eggs in the cornerback basket. The Bears already gave cornerback Nathan Vasher a new contract with $14 million guaranteed this year, and last year they signed Ricky Manning to a five-year, $21 million contract.

Lovie Smith is the best defensive mind in the game, and if he thinks spending big money on cornerbacks is the way to keep his defense humming, then the Bears’ front office should spend money on cornerbacks. But it’s hard not to think that a team that lost three of its top four defensive tackles from last season, and that still hasn’t signed its franchise player outside linebacker, is devoting too much money to the corners. Tillman had better be worth every penny of his $18 million payday.

Bottom line: As long as Lovie Smith is running the show, the Bears’ defense will be strong. But with so much money tied up in the three cornerbacks, the front seven is likely to take a step back.

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