The Chicago Bears earned a black eye in free agency in 2017. Not only was their incoming class almost completely helpless to their cause, but they also lost one of their best players in Alshon Jeffery. There is a genuine fear that’s getting ready to happen again. GM Ryan Pace has had some success in free agency before but not as much as he probably should. Not only has he missed on a number of his signings to date, he’s also failed to reel in big names despite strong offers.
Perhaps that’s the drawback of running a team that hasn’t had a winning record in six years. Either way, a repeat of last season would not be ideal. While no one knows for sure who the Bears will sign next month, there is a growing fear another strong young talent could depart the team for elsewhere.
After three difficult seasons mixing poor play and injury, cornerback Kyle Fuller broke out last year in a big way. He was their best defensive back by a mile. All told he finished with two interceptions and 22 passes defended. He also finished near the top of the team in tackles. There’s no question he became a vital component to their defensive success.
Now they may have to watch another team enjoy it.
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Top insider believes Kyle Fuller will be on another team in 2018
Fuller hasn’t been forthcoming on his plans for free agency this year. His enthusiasm to stay in Chicago can be considered lukewarm at best. Then again he’s not known for showing his emotions. It’s believed Fuller wants to get the best payday possible. This leaves some doubt that Pace will meet his price, especially after just one good season. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports went a step further, claiming outright that Fuller is gone.
“Re-signing corner Kyle Fuller should be a priority but he’s going to find a lucrative market ahead and will not be returning to Chicago, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.”
The reason we on @BearsBarroom talked about not letting homegrown talent walk.On back to back plays @kbfuller17 shows you just how fantastic of a corner he’s become- replacing & filling physically. Then comes back & closes on off man w/eyes on ball 🏈 & literally steals it #Bears pic.twitter.com/TjpFOiFHzs
— Draft Dr. Phil (@FulphilO) February 3, 2018
Now La Canfora isn’t exactly known for his precise accuracy in such predictions but he’s hit often enough to at least be taken seriously. The likelihood of a long-term extension getting done with Fuller at this point feels unlikely. The two sides are probably too far apart on numbers. However, it doesn’t automatically mean Fuller is leaving. Chicago still has the franchise tag in their back pocket.
They have more than enough cap space to accommodate paying Fuller top five money for one year to see if his 2017 run was a fluke or not. If he has a repeat performance, Pace will feel more comfortable about meeting his price. If he doesn’t? Well then he might be the next Jeffery after all.
