Chicago Bears: Previewing potential Bears roster moves
Cornerback
A lot about this position hinges on the return of Kyle Fuller, who proved himself as an above average number one cornerback in the NFL. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, recently polled personnel around the NFL about whether or not they think the Chicago Bears will franchise tag Fuller. The majority believe Fuller will not be tagged.
If true, that means one of two things: either Pace will extend him to a long-term deal before free agency or Pace intends to let Fuller test the market.
I’d offer Fuller $12.5 million per season in a heartbeat. I’m convinced last season was not a fluke. Last season, the Chicago Bears were believed to be interested in AJ Buoye and Stephon Gilmore.
Was just told Stephon Gilmore was a little bit disappointed the #Bears weren't "more serious" w/ offer. Just "let the chips fall" after that
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
If Pace was interested in those players, then I don’t see how he’d let a homegrown talent walk and create an enormous hole on the roster. Now, that may sound a lot like the Alshon Jeffery saga, but it really isn’t. Jeffery didn’t want to play for the Chicago Bears. Fuller wants to return.
I don’t blame Fuller. Why would he want to leave a top-ten defense, in which he is one of the key veterans. Don’t forget about his close relationship with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, too. They bonded over the 2017 offseason, and I’m sure both parties would hate to separate.
Ryan Pace says conversations around Kyle Fuller are aggressive and constantly ongoing.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 28, 2018
As far as the other cornerbacks, I’d like to bring back Prince Amukamara to another one or two year deal around $5-6 million per season. Slot corner Bryce Callahan is a restricted free agent, who I’d also like to bring back on cheap deal. The knock on Callahan is his durability, but hopefullly the new training staff can find a way to keep him healthy.
If Pace decides to move on from Amukamara, then I’m all in on signing Trumaine Johnson to a big contract. However, the popular opinion is that Fangio’s defense has never had highly paid corners. So, if Amukamara doesn’t return that could set up Denzel Ward, Minkah Fitzpatrick or Josh Jackson in the draft. I’m just not sure a 5’10” corner like Ward fits in Fangio’s scheme.