For a team that’s look to “win now,” Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace is doing an awful job of keeping key pieces in place for the 2021 season.
The Bears just delivered the NFL’s biggest cap casualty surprise with the announcement that they’re releasing veteran cornerback Kyle Fuller, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune hinted that it was certainly a possibility on Wednesday. But with no announcement made at the start of the new league year, it seemed like Fuller made it through unscathed.
Fuller was due to have a cap hit of $20 million in 2021, which certainly made the move a possibility. Chicago saves $11 million by releasing Fuller.
The #Bears are releasing veteran CB Kyle Fuller, sources say, a cap casualty. In a tough 2021 offseason, this is Chicago’s only cut due to cap space. A former All-Pro corner now hits the market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Fuller, a two-time Pro Bowler, was a first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. While it took him some time to get going after a solid rookie season, Fuller earned a second contract with the Bears after an impressive 2017.
He signed a four-year extension in 2018 and went on to have the best season of his career, recording seven interceptions, earning All-Pro honors and establishing himself as one of the league’s best cornerbacks.
With Fuller’s release, the Bears are left without a starting cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson, who is coming off a solid rookie season.
It’s been a rough week for Bears fans. And you can’t help but feel like Chicago has managed to get worse during free agency.
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