The Chicago Bears have a true headache on their hands. His name is Kyle Fuller. The 25-year old cornerback had a career year in 2017. He finished with two interceptions and 22 passes defended. He also finished among the top defenders in tackles. His value to the secondary was unquestioned all season long. Now he’s set to become a free agent along with three other key corners on the roster.
The Bears are in a serious pickle. They have plenty of salary cap space. They could re-sign every player including Fuller. The franchise tag is in play as well should he play hardball on a new long-term extension. At the same time, the threat of him leaving is there. People haven’t forgotten what happened with Alshon Jeffery.
Nonetheless, GM Ryan Pace is facing a challenge. Can he keep the cornerback group together? Or better yet. Is there any way he could actually improve on it. There might be a possible way developing elsewhere. One that may change the face of the Bears defense if they’re willing to pay the price.
Chicago Bears could get in on Marcus Peters trade buzz
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there is an undercurrent of smoke coming out of Kansas City. One that hints Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters may be going on the trade block. This might sound unfathomable, but it’s the NFL. Crazy things tend to happen.
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Continue to hear chatter that Marcus Peters may not be long for KC. Figure that intensifies next week at the combine
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 19, 2018
Now it’s well-known La Canfora can be unreliable with such predictions. His hit-miss record is average at best. Still, it’s an interesting situation. Peters is 25-years old and entering the final year of his rookie contract. It’s obvious to anybody he’s going to command big money. Given his reputation for being outspoken and controversial, the Chiefs may not be keen on paying that price tag.
There’s also the situation regarding their recent moves. Thanks to the Alex Smith trade they acquired young corner Kendall Fuller, considered an emerging stud in the slot. They also signed decent free agent David Amerson. Two moves at the cornerback position. Is it meant to fortify their already strong secondary or perhaps a preliminary step to moving Peters?
Pairing Peters with Fuller could be a game-changer
Regardless of the reasoning, the fact is the Bears should have serious interest in this idea. Peters has 19 interceptions over the past three seasons. He’s the best ball-hawking cornerback in football and a perfect fit for the Vic Fangio defense. Imagine what the Bears could do if they were able to pair him with Fuller in the secondary. A long-time team weakness would suddenly become a strength.
It comes down to what they’d have to pay. Conventional wisdom says somewhere around a high second or late first round pick.
#Chiefs CB Marcus Peters is worth a R2 pick, and I could be convinced he's worth a R1. Peters has earned an 84.0+ overall grade in each of his past two seasons, he's 25 years old and… he's an Oakland native.
The #Raiders should AT LEAST entertain the idea of attaining Peters. https://t.co/PqsX6LO2Lc
— Austin Gayle (@AustinGayle_PFF) February 19, 2018
Is this a price worth paying for the Bears? Well here’s some context. Since the 1970 merger, Chicago has selected 45 players in the second round. Only seven of them went on to make a Pro Bowl. Peters has already been to two of them and won’t turn 26 until next January. Absolutely this is a move they should consider.