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The Chicago Bears made an already bad situation worse this offseason with the release of one of their best defensive players in cornerback Kyle Fuller.
While it’s a move that freed up $11 million in cap space — as Fuller was set to make $20 million in 2021 — it’s also a move that doesn’t make a lot of sense for a team that’s supposedly in a win-now mode.
And as far as holding players accountable, Fuller has been Chicago’s most consistent player in the secondary over the last three seasons, which makes his release even more puzzling.
The reaction from Bears fans was bad, very bad, and rightfully so. They understand exactly what’s happening — how GM Ryan Pace got himself into this salary cap mess and now he has to deal with it. Which, unfortunately, means sacrificing some of the best players on your team.
But perhaps even more telling was the reaction from current and former Bears players to the news. Specifically, safety Eddie Jackson, who was frustrated with the decision to part ways with Fuller. His original tweet was deleted, but there were indeed screenshots.
In a now deleted tweet, Eddie Jackson indicates he's fed up with the #Bears for releasing Kyle Fuller. pic.twitter.com/55dmXPaVrB
— J.J. Lahey 🧀 Packers News 📰 (@JJLahey) March 19, 2021
Former Bears kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson also voiced his feelings about Fuller’s release on Twitter, making it clear that the salary cap isn’t an excuse. That if you wanted to keep a player that you could find a way.
Patterson’s frustration might also stem from the fact that he hasn’t received a contract extension from Chicago, as he remains a free agent.
https://twitter.com/ceeflashpee84/status/1372696781570637830?s=20
If a MF team wants you. They will get you!!! Simple as that!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) March 18, 2021
Things have gone south for this franchise in just a matter of two days. It started with signing quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year, $10 million deal after the Seattle Seahawks shut the door on a Russell Wilson trade.
It continued Thursday with some big defensive moves, including the decision to part ways with Fuller and allowing defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to seek a trade.
Given everything that’s happened this offseason, it’s not a surprise to see Bears fans irate. They’re completely justified. But you know things are bad when the players start voicing their frustrations with management.
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