Chicago Bears fans were stunned last week when news leaked that the franchise was going to release two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller.
And while it took a couple of days for the move to become official — as Chicago explored trade opportunities that didn’t come to fruition — it was the last straw for a Bears fan base that was already angry with the decision to sign veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year, $10 million deal.
But once the transaction did become official on Saturday, it didn’t take long for him to find a new home with a familiar face that knows him well in Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos.
Speaking to the media for the first time since his release from the Bears and signing with the Broncos, Fuller was asked about whether he was surprised by Chicago’s decision to part ways.
“I think I understood everything that was going on,” Fuller said Monday. “I just took it for what it was.”
While it’s a decision that still has many Bears fans shaking their heads in frustration, Chicago did have a reason for it. Fuller was due to make $20 million in 2020, and the Bears cleared up $11 million in cap space by parting ways with him.
Still, it’s the direct effect of GM Ryan Pace’s mismanagement of the salary cap over the last few years, which ultimately forced his hand to release arguably the most consistent defensive back on the roster over the last few years.
Now, the Broncos have a veteran cornerback in his prime and the Bears have a massive hole to fill alongside second-year corner Jaylon Johnson.
Chicago signed former Detroit Lions cornerback Desmond Trufant to a one-year deal, the franchise’s first attempt to fill the void left by Fuller. It wouldn’t be a surprise for the Bears to address cornerback in next month’s NFL draft.
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