An All-Pro corner unexpectedly hits the free market. Ian Reports NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that bears release veterans Kyle Fuller.
It appears that the transaction was primarily a financial decision, and Rapoport noted that “this is the only Chicago cut due to the lid space.”Dianna Russini of ESPN tweets that the Bears wanted Fuller to have a “very important payback,” but the player preferred to try the free market. The 29-year-old was due to win $ 14 million next season, and hit an expensive limit of $ 20 million.
The selection for the first round of 2014 became one of the favorites of Chicago fans, getting a couple of appearances in the Pro Bowl and a first-team All-Pro boss during his seven-year stint with the ‘organization. Fuller leaves the organization ranked fourth on the all-time list of the franchise in defended passes (82), and ranks in the top 20 for attacks (390) and interceptions (19).
After rejecting his fifth-year option for the 2018 season, Fuller received a transition label. He ended up inking a four-year, $ 56 million deal with the Packers, including $ 18 million guaranteed. The Bears agreed to the contract, keeping Fuller under contract during the 2021 season. Last season, the head office reworked the veteran’s contract. While the move saved the team $ 6.5 million at the time, it meant Fuller’s maximum success in 2021 would go from $ 18.5 million to $ 20 million.
Although Fuller failed to win his third straight game in the Pro Bowl, he still had a productive 2020 campaign. The cornerback started all 16 Chicago games, compiling 65 innings, eight assists and one interception. The Chicago playoff defeat to the Saints also began.
Fuller will surely be a popular target now that he has achieved a free agency. William Jackson (Washington, three years, $ 42 million), Shaquill Griffin (Jaguars, three years, $ 40MM), i Patrick Peterson (The Vikings, one year, $ 10 million) were among the best free agent cornerstones heading to the free agency. Corners com Xavier Rhodes i Kevin King remain unsigned.
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