The Cincinnati Bengals might end up being a little more active than usual in NFL free agency now that it’s clear the carryover roster Zac Taylor inherited needs a little more help than anticipated.
That in mind, besides the draft storylines, it’s always a good time to look ahead to the market’s opening.
Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash did just that by suggesting the Bengals go after an unexpected name — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller.
The reasoning:
The Bengals are in rebuild mode and will be getting their franchise quarterback first overall this April. Positions of need are everywhere for Cincinnati, so after quarterback, cornerback is the next one to target. Kendall Fuller hasn’t been the same player for the Chiefs as he was in 2017 with Washington, but we have seen a level of play from Fuller that could make him a breakout player in 2020. In his second career season in 2017, Fuller’s 91.2 coverage grade tied for the second highest in the NFL, as he rarely gave up an explosive play. His 2018 wasn’t nearly as good, surrendering over 500 yards more in coverage but still ranking 38th of 120 qualifying cornerbacks in PFF coverage grade. This year, Fuller was out for a handful of weeks and has played more at safety in the latter part of the year. He’ll have a low asking price, and a fresh start for Fuller in Cincinnati back in the slot could be a win for both sides.
Interesting right?
The Bengals indeed have a few tough questions to answer this offseason. Darqueze Dennard is a free agent and Dre Kirkpatrick is on a big-money deal.
If Dennard wants to play on the boundary or somewhere else and the Bengals don’t want to just throw Darius Phillips out there with no quality depth behind him, Fuller indeed might be a target to consider.
At this point, Fuller is a former third-round pick who is only going on 25 years old and could come cheaper than expected after some struggles in Kansas City, but also offers hints of upside.
If nothing else, he’s someone to keep in mind.
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