Alan Ball, we hardly knew ye.The free agent cornerback, who did everything except sign in Carolina last week, instead landed in Chicago Friday.According to a league source, Ball and the Panthers had the parameters of an agreement in place last Thursday. The eight-year veteran was in Charlotte, but then left to weigh his options. Those included former Carolina coach John Fox, who convinced Ball to join him in Chicago.The Panthers need help at cornerback, but general manager Dave Gettleman isn’t one to up an offer, especially after it’s been leaked to the media in a possible negotiating ploy. The free agent pickings are slim now, though. With Ball, Patrick Robinson (Chargers) and Terence Newman (Vikings) finding new homes this week, the best remaining option appears to be 34-year-old Charles Tillman, who played under Panthers coach Ron Rivera in Chicago.Carolina is still hoping to sign receiver Greg Jennings, who visited with team officials last weekend. Jennings also has other options, and he’s apparently in no rush to make a decision while he enjoys off-season family time.