/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68996198/1282393777.5.jpg)
According to KOAColorado’s Benjamin Allbright and Pro Football Network, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that ‘are in the mix’ for Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller—who will either be traded or if a suitable deal cannot be found, released:
If the #Bears cannot trade Kyle Fuller, PFN Insider @AllbrightNFL says to keep an eye on the Broncos. Chargers and the Colts are in the mix as well.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 19, 2021
Originally a 2014 first round pick of the Chicago Bears, Fuller has turned into one of the game’s top cornerbacks as an NFL First-Team All-Pro (2018) and a 2x Pro Bowler (2018, 2019).
Fuller’s coming off a season for the Bears, in which he had 65 tackles (52 solo), 8 passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble during all 16 starts in 2020.
Per PFF, Fuller was their 52nd best graded cornerback with a +64.0 overall grade this past season. He allowed 45 receptions on 80 total targets (56.3% completion rate) for 512 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception for an opposing passer rating of 87.1.
At 5’11”, 194 pounds with 32 7/8” arms, Fuller has some ideal physical measurables:
He’s also incredibly durable, having not missed a start in the past 5 seasons.
However, Fuller hasn’t quite been his former shutdown self over the past two seasons:
Kyle Fuller’s @PFF grades over the last four years
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) March 18, 2021
2017 - 77.0
2018 - 81.4
2019 - 62.5
2020 - 64.0 pic.twitter.com/4ju4Yg0zDI
However, like another former NFL All-Pro cornerback last season with the Colts, Xavier Rhodes, perhaps Fuller could just use a much needed change of scenery and scheme shift to regain his prior lockdown form.
Speaking of Rhodes, both he and veteran cornerback T.J. Carrie are free agents, meaning the Colts could potentially use reinforcements along the outside.
Having just turned 29 years old, Fuller could provide the Colts an impact starter at outside cornerback—and given his past pedigree, the playing potential for much more.