CHARLOTTE -- In a clear sign the Carolina Panthers are in the market for a quarterback this off-season, the team reportedly had a formal sit down meeting with former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., according to the Orlando Sentinel.
   Tebow also met with representatives from the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
   Tebow is working out this week in Mobile, Ala., in preparation for this weekend's game, although he's been suffering from strep throat.

   According to the newspaper, the meeting with Carolina was the most formal, a sit-down session with the coaching staff. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney, who is with John Fox and his coaching staff this week scouting the Senior Bowl, did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.
   Tebow, who is battling a 103.5-degree fever, had a rough fumble-plagued first day of practice on Monday, but improved on taking the snaps from center on Tuesday, according to numerous outlets. Tebow took most of his snaps at Florida from the shotgun, so going under center in the NFL will be an adjustment for the former Heisman Trophy winner. There is also plenty of talk that he'll have to change his throwing motion and his release if he wants to make it in the NFL.
   The Panthers enter next season with Jake Delhomme and Hunter Cantwell under contract and Matt Moore likely to retun as a restricted free agent. Josh McCown and mid-season fill-in A.J. Feeley are both unrestricted free agents and probably won't be re-signed.
   The Panthers don't have a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft, but Tebow isn't expected to go until the second or third round.