NEWSLETTER
Kyle Fuller’s performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16 was the latest example of how the free-agent-to-be has improved his case for a big-money contract.
With a 97.7 grade, Fuller was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated cornerback in Week 16 and the second highest rated defensive player overall, earning him a spot on PFF’s Team of the Week. A rejuvenated Fuller saw a steady flow of targets yet again, but allowed a 0.0 passer rating on the 10 attempts thrown his way. In fact, he caught as many passes from DeShone Kizer as he allowed to be caught by Cleveland wideouts he was covering – one.
This, of course, comes two weeks after Fuller earned a spot among PFF’s team of the week in Week 14 for his efforts against A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals. So not only is Fuller playing his best ball at the end of the season, he’s doing it against some pretty good opponents too.
In fact, I’d even say that Fuller’s been good enough to change our tune from “Should the Bears bring him back?” to “So how much will it cost?”
After Fuller’s performance against the Bengals, we looked back at some free agent contracts handed out last season and attempted to establish a baseline for what he could ask for and receive in free agency. But just a couple weeks later, we may have to rethink that process/offer, because that’s how well he’s playing right now.
Alternatively, Chicago could take a short-term approach and offer up the franchise tag. Last year, the price for cornerbacks was $14.2 million, but that’ll rise this offseason, of course, and set a new, pricey baseline for free agents, as well.
To be sure, agreeing on a fair price for Fuller right now will be difficult, but we (or, the Bears, rather) may need to put those concerns aside. Put plainly, there’s no denying that Chicago is nearing a point where losing Fuller could be more costly than keeping him.
In 2017, GM Ryan Pace shelled out $17.5 million in guaranteed money to Amukamara, Marcus Cooper, and Quintin Demps. And outside of Amukamara, the return on investment has been nothing short of disappointing.
Demps was limited to 177 snaps in three games before landing on injured reserve. And although he was recently eligible to return, he was shut down again, effectively ending his season. Cooper has played in 14 of the Bears’ 15 games, but has appeared more on special teams than on defense in each of his last 10 games. Bryce Callahan has excelled in the slot, as did Cre’von LeBlanc when he filled in for an injured Callahan in the middle of the season, but neither has the experience to jump in unchallenged and take Fuller’s role in 2018.
And because the Bears passed on drafting a cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft, the in-house options to replace Fuller simply aren’t there. See? Life without Fuller is not the prettiest picture.
Obviously, the Bears can’t continue to rebuild their secondary via free agency every offseason – so retaining Fuller – anyway they can – might be necessary.
