Chicago Bears: Using franchise tag on Kyle Fuller is best option
By David Mamola
Since signing cornerback Kyle Fuller to a long-term contract is risky, the franchise tag is likely the best decision for the Chicago Bears.
Perhaps the biggest question in free agency for general manager Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears is what to do with cornerback Kyle Fuller. The unrestricted free agent had a resurgent 2017 season, leading the team in pass defended and oftentimes earning the responsibility of covering the opposition’s No. 1 wide receiver.
Fuller’s 2017 season was the complete opposite of his disaster in 2016, a season in which he failed to appear in a game (knee injury) and had his passion questioned by Vic Fangio. It took an injury to Marcus Cooper for Fuller to get on the field this past season. But once he did, he seized the reigns and never looked back.
Before the 2017 season began, it was a near conclusion that Fuller would not be a part of the Bears in 2018. However, things have obviously changed, and some believe he is the second-best cornerback on the free agent market (only behind Los Angeles Rams’ Trumaine Johnson). If Fuller hits free agency, a bidding war would likely ensue. With Prince Amukamara and Bryce Callahan (restricted) both free agents as well, Fuller’s return is even more important for the Bears.
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With that being said, Fuller’s 2017 season was a relative anomaly in comparison to his career thus far. It’s unclear if last season was the peak of his career or the start of something truly special. Giving him a long-term deal is too risky, so the best option for the Bears is to use the franchise tag on Fuller.
The exact number of the 2018 franchise tag for cornerbacks is not exactly known yet, but in 2017, it was $14.2 million. That might seem like a steep price to pay for one-year of Fuller’s services, but it is actually a lot safer than the alternative.
Let’s just say that the Bears give Fuller a four-year extension with $25 million in guaranteed money. If Fuller plays like he did in 2017 during those years, then it was money well spent. However, what if he reverts back to his old self? The Bears would then have a bad contract on their hands that would likely impact them for the 2018 and 2019 salary cap, and quite possibly beyond.
On the other hand, if the Bears use the franchise tag on him, that risk is reduced. Yes, it’s a pretty penny for 2018, but the Bears have a ton of cap space anyway and could easily afford it. If Fuller plays well, then the two parties could try to work out an extension—one that the Bears would feel more confident in giving. If Fuller struggles, then the Bears cut him loose following next season and not have any negative impact on the salary cap for 2019.
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The Bears failed to use the franchise tag on Alshon Jeffery last year, and then proceeded to watch him win a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s never a good idea to let young players walk away for nothing. Hopefully, the Bears learned their lesson and will play tag with Kyle Fuller this year.