The Chicago Bears must re-sign cornerback Kyle Fuller
Kyle Fuller was a question mark heading into 2017, but he has turned into one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. He must be brought back with a new contract in the off-season.
Kyle Fuller was drafted with the 14th pick in the 2014 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Before 2017, his most memorable moment was when he intercepted two Colin Kaepernick passes in the second week of the season on Sunday Night Football in 2014.
He showed promise in 2015, but he missed the 2016 season entirely. It seemed like the coaching staff questioned his drive to play the game. That’s why the Chicago Bears declined his fifth-year option.
A lot of people, including myself, weren’t expecting much from him this season, but Fuller started too show some flashes in the preseason. Still, we needed to see him do it in the games that actually matter. Enter the 2017 regular season.
In Pro Bowler company.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 13, 2017
RT to #ProBowlVote @kbfuller17! pic.twitter.com/eSVHGfszcB
This is why it’s so hard to judge draft classes after one or two seasons. Sometimes it takes a player, like Fuller, four years to breakthrough. Well, Fuller has arrived.
Most recently, Fuller locked down wide receivers Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns. According to Pro Football Focus, when Fuller was against Gordon, he was held to zero catches on four targets, while also collecting two passes defensed and one interception. On the day, Fuller was targeted nine times and didn’t allow a single catch. That’s remarkable stuff. Wait until you see this tweet from Bleacher Report writer, Ian Wharton.
Kyle Fuller's Week 16 against Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman is the most productive and probably best game tape I've seen from any corner all season long. I credit most top-end corners with maybe 1-2 "shutdown" snaps weekly, Fuller had 5. Only out of position on 1 dig route.
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) December 26, 2017
Can you believe that? That’s how amazing Fuller’s play has been this season. He ranks second in the NFL in passes defensed (22). That’s higher than players like A.J. Bouye, Casey Hayward, Marshon Lattimore and Jalen Ramsey.
Kyle Fuller is number 2 in the NFL in passes defensed. Lots of big names below him pic.twitter.com/z41mySRlID
— Dustin Regan-Padilla (@dustinregpad) December 27, 2017
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I am a big fan of general manager Ryan Pace, but I will not forgive him if he lets Fuller leave in free agency. Why create holes on the roster?
Fuller will turn 26 years old in February, which means he’s entering the prime of his career. Let’s hope he’s celebrating his birthday with a new contract with the Chicago Bears.
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Fuller either needs to be franchise tagged at $14.2 million or resigned. I could see a contract for Fuller somewhere in the 4-year, $50 million range, but the key is not letting him hit the open market, where his price would rise.