Chicago Bears Franchise Tag May Actually Be Used in 2018

Following the extensions of left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and defensive end Akiem Hicks, it was felt the Chicago Bears franchise tag would likely go unused this 2018 off-season. GM Ryan Pace would be free to work his magic with a large but mostly medium important crop of in-house free agents-to-be when the season ends this January. Of course there will be some important name prioritize. Prince Amukamara has proven himself to be a valuable asset at corner during his one-year deal. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith was shown to be far more vital to their passing offense by not playing than actually playing this year. Fellow receiver Kendall Wright will also need some attention. There's also linebacker Christian Jones who may have earned himself a starting job. However, none of those names have performed up to a standard that might require use of the tag, which automatically pays top five money based on their position. Over the past few weeks though, an unlikely candidate has emerged for just that. One that zero Bears fans would've ever considered when the season began.

Kyle Fuller has more than earned the Chicago Bears franchise tag

He may not end up going to the Pro Bowl, but former first round pick Kyle Fuller has been brilliant this season for the Bears defense. Considering he missed all of 2016 with a knee injury, it makes is resurgence all the more impressive. On Sunday against the Cleveland Browns he may have delivered the best overall game of his career too.

Through 15 games Fuller has 67 tackles, 22 passes defended and two interceptions. The amazing thing is he should probably have four more interceptions but hasn't quite been able to haul them in. Regardless it's easily the best season a Bears corner has had since the era of Charles Tillman was peaking in the previous decade. Now the question becomes can Pace reach an agreement with him on a contract extension? No doubt people are afraid the Bears are facing another Alshon Jeffery situation. That the team will try to extend Fuller but he'll resist in order to become a free agent, thus robbing them of another quality piece who can help their cause.

Tag will be in play if an extension becomes unlikely

Word is Fuller will be demanding a considerable raise, likely somewhere in the $10-12 million range. The Bears will have plenty of salary cap space to meet it. Problem is Pace is known for being a hard negotiator. He won't overpay anybody. So it comes down to whether Fuller is wants to stay and is willing to deal. Otherwise the franchise tag may have to be used. Current projections are that it would cost the Bears just over $15 million dollars for the 2018 season if they were do that for Fuller. While it's hardly a crippling strategy given they could create upwards of $80 million in cap space, it nonetheless offers plenty of incentive for them to work out a more favorable long-term deal.