Chicago Bears: The curious case of Kyle Fuller

Once the new coaching staff is in place for the Chicago Bears, the future of Kyle Fuller will surely be a topic of great conversation.

One of the biggest surprises this season for the Chicago Bears has been the strong play of cornerback Kyle Fuller. It’s been well documented that Fuller had a tough 2016 season, missing the entire year with a troublesome knee. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio publicly called Fuller out last year, and after the team declined Fuller’s fifth-year option, it seemed like he would not be part of the team in 2017.

However, Fuller put together an impressive training camp and preseason, and earned a spot on the opening day roster. He took advantage of some injuries to Marcus Cooper and Prince Amukamara, and now, Fuller has become the Bears’ No. 1 cornerback. Already this season, Fuller has defended the likes of Jordy Nelson, Mike Evans and A.J. Green. He seems like a completely different player, displaying the moxie and swagger NFL cornerbacks need to have.

It hasn’t been a completely smooth season for Fuller, as he has had his fair share of struggles in some games. But he’s stayed healthy, and outside of Akiem Hicks, has arguably been one of the defense’s most reliable players.

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Fuller will become a free agent at year’s end, and his future with the team is again up in the air. I don’t think the Bears have the luxury to have a cornerback in his prime walk out the door for nothing (just like Alshon Jeffery last year), but at the same time, I don’t think the Bears are real confident that Fuller can play like this for the next three or four years. Players sometimes do incredible things in their contract year, only to receive a big-money deal in the offseason and return to being a below average player.

Fuller’s future also will be decided by the next coaching staff of the Bears. Fangio’s system seems to fit Fuller well, but who’s to say that Fuller will be a fit in the next defensive coordinator’s scheme? Also, for a player who has faced questions about his love of the game, the Bears might not view him as a building block for the team.

The Bears could franchise tag Fuller, but that would cost a lot of money and it might not be worth it. Once Fuller hits the free agent market, he’ll be overpaid, and I don’t believe the Bears want to get into a bidding war for his services. Ultimately, the Bears might just try to sign him to a team-friendly contract within the next couple of months, and if a deal can’t be reached, Fuller probably will be playing elsewhere in 2018.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants start baking

Fuller’s status with the team is just one of the many questions facing the Bears moving forward. However, once the new coaching staff (and general manager?) are in place, tough decisions regarding players like Fuller will have to become front and center.