Current role: Tilis joined the Carolina Panthers in 2024 as their executive vice president of football operations.
Why he’s a candidate: Tilis is best known for his financial savvy. As his resume highlights illustrate, Tilis’ expertise is in salary cap management and evaluation — something he has done to noted success. Tilis was the lead negotiator of the Patrick Mahomes contract, helping to create a framework that allowed them to sign their MVP quarterback to a 10-year deal.
Since joining the Panthers, Tilis has played a role in creating cap stability while improving roster health and talent. The Panthers were major players in the free agency market in 2025. They made Jaycee Horn the highest-paid defensive back in history and beefed up their defense by signing defensive tackles Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton as well as safety Tre’von Moehrig. Even with big-time signings and extensions, the Panthers are still in good cap health. They are projected to have just under $30 million in cap space in 2026, according to OverTheCap.com. Tilis has been a key part of the recent success for Carolina, making him a candidate teams could eye this offseason as the Panthers make their first playoff appearance since 2017.
