NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 08: Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Bears 24-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears fans are left with their hands on top of their heads, as the team has decided to part ways with star cornerback Kyle Fuller.
Earlier this week, it seemed like the Chicago Bears were going to be able to keep superstar cornerback Kyle Fuller. While the team is cap-strapped, all signs pointed to Fuller staying with Chicago to help the team try and get back to the postseason. That won’t be happening.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears’ front office has made the tough decision to release the stud defensive back. Just like that, Fuller is a free agent and will undoubtedly have several teams try and chase his signature.
The Chicago Bears have released Kyle Fuller due to salary cap issues
Fuller had been a standout for the Bears since joining the team in 2014, highlighted by his incredible season back in 2018. That campaign, Fuller posted seven interceptions and 21 pass deflections, while adding 55 total tackles.
Thanks to such an impressive showing, the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder went to the Pro Bowl and also took home First-Team All-Pro honors. The following season, he recorded three interceptions and went back to the Pro Bowl.
This past year, Fuller started all 16 games for Chicago. Again, the hope was that there’d be a way to keep him in town, but with his cap hit of $20 million, Chicago simply couldn’t afford to bring him back. With a $9 million dead cap number, Chicago saves $11 million in letting him go.
At 29 years old, Fuller is still in the prime of his career and is still capable of being a star for a team’s defense. You can fully expect several teams across the AFC and NFC to reach out to his agent immediately to try and get him to join their organization.