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The salary cap reduction for the 2021 NFL season has thrown a wrench in many plans for many teams and many players alike this offseason. With a reduced cap for just the second time in recent memory, the league and its players are forced to pivot their plans — leaving an ugly aftermath for some teams and a dried up free agency market for some players. One such free agent who missed out on the chance of a long-term contract in 2021 is wide receiver Will Fuller; who comes to Miami after spending the last five years with the Houston Texans organization.
Fuller was introduced to the South Florida media on Tuesday and it became clear quickly how Fuller is taking the adjusted offseason and likely change in plans for his 2021 contract situation.
He’s excited to make a splash in Miami and set himself up for long-term opportunities.
“I’m super excited to be here in Miami. I feel like I wanted to take a one-year (deal) just to prove my worth in the league. I’ve had my fair share of injuries and I’ve been working really hard,” said Fuller.
“I just want to prove to the NFL, and to the Dolphins for taking a chance on me, that I’m a player that they would love to have long term.”
Provided Fuller is able to make the most of his 2021 season in Miami, it will be difficult to envision Miami letting him walk out the door for 2022. But durability and consistency have been something Fuller has yet to show for a full 16 game season to this point in his career, so you’d be forgiven to have some skepticism of Fuller’s ceiling in Miami. But as Fuller wraps up his offseason program in Houston, he’s already set his sights on positioning himself for as much success as possible — by already coordinating throwing sessions with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“I’m out here in Houston finishing up my offseason program and doing my workout stuff here. I’m almost done, so I’m looking forward to getting off to Miami as soon as possible and contact with (Tagovailoa),” said Fuller.
“I’ve already spoken with him on the phone and texted with him. We’re setting things up to go over there in Miami and throw, so I’m excited about that as well in the near future coming up soon.”
Fuller’s initial plan for free agency likely didn’t include a one-year deal in 2021. But that’s the hand he and many others have been dealt with the league’s salary cap situation; Fuller deserves ample credit for using that reality as fuel for him to be his best self for Miami in 2021. If he indeed plays up to his incentives ceiling and earns $13M in 2021, one would have to assume the details of a long-term deal will quickly take care of themselves.