Kyle

Fuller

Brought in to bolster Baltimore’s depth after an injury-riddled 2021 season, the loss of Fuller is significant for the Ravens. Veteran Marcus Peters, who is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, was unable to go in yesterday’s Week 1 matchup, and may not be ready for Week 2 against the Dolphins. Baltimore could be looking to sign additional defensive backs this week to replace Fuller.

Elijah Moore pushed off Fuller at the goal line on an overturned touchdown, and Fuller crumbled to the ground in agony. The CBS broadcast would not show a replay because the injury was so gruesome. It would be shocking if Fuller can return this season. A Baltimore secondary that struggled with injuries throughout 2021 is on its way to doing the same in 2022.

Fuller had his worst season as a pro last year in Denver, getting used in the slot more often than he ever had before and posting a 40.8 PFF coverage grade. He’ll compete with 2021 third-rounder Brandon Stephens and 2022 fourth-rounders Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams for corner snaps, and is probably the favorite to be Baltimore’s third corner next to Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey as it stands today.

Fuller is a perfect scheme fit in Denver and has four years of experience playing under coach Vic Fangio. The Broncos were looking for their second outside corner after overhauling the position heading into free agency, and they got the top guy on the market. Fuller and Ronald Darby are a strong duo at corner, particularly with FS Justin Simmons watching over. This secondary paired with a strong pass rush should have the Broncos inside top-eight defensive rankings in 2021, possibly much higher. An average year from Drew Lock could get Denver into the playoffs. We’ll see if he can develop.

Garafolo’s colleague Ian Rapoport hints this could become a Rodney Hudson situation where Fuller ends up traded after he was announced as released. Fuller had the best years of his career under Broncos coach Vic Fangio when he served as the Bears’ defensive coordinator. The Broncos have a huge need at cornerback. The dots certainly connect.

This move is why “the salary cap is a myth” is misleading. The Bears didn’t want to release their top corner, but they are in cap hell and need the space to sign Andy Dalton. It’s possible the front office can find a last-minute trade partner, but they’ll be eating $9 million in dead cap and saving $11 million against the cap either way. Fuller immediately becomes one of the better available free agents. He just turned 29 years old and has experience as being a No. 1 outside corner. Fuller was a Pro Bowler in 2018 and 2019. Keep an eye out on the Chargers and Broncos as potential suitors.

Fox called Fuller “week to week,” but this could jeopardize his Week 1 status. The Bears are dangerously thin at corner behind Tracy Porter, and inexperienced at safety with sophomore Adrian Amos and special teamer Harold Jones-Quartey projected to start. The 14th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Fuller has been a disappointment through two seasons. There’s been buzz at Bears camp that Fuller could lose his job to fourth-round rookie Deiondre’ Hall.

“He’s kind of had this nagging injury that we thought maybe he could play with, but as time went on, you could tell it was affecting his movement skills,” Pace said. “So he’s been getting evaluated over the last couple of days and I’m optimistic that’s something we can get ahold of to make him a better player.” Fuller did not travel with the team to New England for this week’s joint practices, but there did not seem to be much concern about the injury. That has certainly changed. Very thin at corner, the Bears cannot afford to be without Fuller for any significant time.

Kyle Fuller is extremely doubtful after undergoing a knee scope in mid-August, Tracy Porter is recovering from a concussion, and Bryce Callahan is struggling with a hamstring injury. Porter and Callahan will likely be back, but they might not be huge upgrades over replacement starters Jacoby Glenn and Deiondre’ Hall. Despite improvements to the front seven, the Bears still have several question marks in the secondary.

With little talent around him, Fuller would appear to be locked into a starting job, but Campbell said he is “fighting to keep his starting spot.” Fuller was benched in a game early last season, but he bounced back with a solid showing down the stretch. It would be surprising if he did not open the season as a starter. Fuller is likely to sit out the second preseason game with a knee injury, but he should be ready for Week 1.