Chicago Bears: Top Performers of 2017

Most Improved Player: Kyle Fuller

Stats: 60 tackles, 22 passes defended, 2 interceptions (16 games)

Kyle Fuller‘s Chicago Bears career was in serious doubt coming into the 2017 season. Ryan Pace decided to decline Fuller’s fourth-year option, making him a free agent this coming offseason.

In the contract year of his mostly disappointing career, the former first-round pick broke through with the best season of his career

Fuller’s aggressive, physical play was a real difference-maker in his breakout season. The presence of Fuller made it difficult for opposing teams to get into a rhythm in the passing game.

The Bears will (and should) make it a priority to re-sign Fuller this offseason. Fuller has earned his money. It now becomes a matter of how much the Bears will be willing to pay.

Will he make Dre Kirkpatrick kinds of money (five years, $52 million, ~12 million guaranteed)? The Chicago Bears might be reluctant to pay that because of Fuller’s inconsistency. But at least this year, he played like a man who could be worth that.

Not many people can say they expected this from Fuller before the season, but the surprising play of Fuller was uplifting for the Chicago Bears.

Honorable Mention: Nick Kwaitkoski