Teams Are Trying To Find Ways to Pry Kyle Fuller From Bears

The Chicago Bears weren't taking any chances. GM Ryan Pace didn't want to apply the franchise tag to cornerback Kyle Fuller. At the same time, he also didn't want the 26-year old to leave for free agency. This left the team with a clear option and they executed it, utilizing the transition tag to keep Fuller in place for the time being. For those who aren't familiar the transition tag works basically like a restricted free agent. He's under control by the original team but is allowed to negotiate offer sheets with other teams. If he accepts one of them, the host team would be allowed to match the offer if they wish. If they refuse, that player ends up going to the other team. The sole difference is if that were to happen on the transition tag, the Bears would not get any compensation in return. So it would likely take a significant offer from another team to prevent them from matching it. Well, the current buzz is that other teams might be seeking ways to pull such a maneuver off.

Bears likely to weather a storm of offers for Kyle Fuller

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports has become somewhat of a punchline to Bears fans due to his largely inaccurate predictions regarding the team. In fact, he's already swung and missed once by saying Fuller would not be tagged. Even so, he decided to double down by stating other teams plan to make a hard run at him in order to force Pace to avoid matching.

"Some execs I spoke to believe it's quite possible Bears corner Kyle Fuller could receive multiple offer sheets while on the transition tag. There isn't that much blue-chip talent available and with no draft compensation, there is a sense there may be a way to design an offer sheet that the Bears would be hesitant to match."

Typically this would come down to a question of guaranteed money. It was reported the last two years that the Bears were in on corners Janoris Jenkins and Stephon Gilmore. Both ended up turning them down for deals from the Giants and Patriots. A big reason for why was the guarantees. Jenkins got 46.1% of his $62.5 million deal from New York guaranteed. Gilmore got 47.7% of his $65 million from New England. To date, Pace has never offered a deal exceeding $50 million. The highest at present is Akiem Hicks' $48 million contract signed last year. It will likely take that much and more to retain Fuller. Is Pace willing to go that high and also willing to cough up some decent guarantees?

Bears don't seem too concerned with outside threats

I reached out to a source close to the situation and asked about La Canfora's statement. It was affirmed that the Bears do expect other teams to come sniffing around Fuller but that's about it.

"There is a possibility he gets an offer sheet but the Bears aren't too worried."

It's important to remember the context here. Fuller didn't play any football in 2016. He had knee surgery. His tremendous 2017 season came out of nowhere and it came when his contract was expiring. NFL history is filled with examples of disappointing players putting together a great year when it's time to get paid. Is Fuller a one-year wonder or is he turning the corner (pardon the pun)? Teams can't know for sure. Are they willing to throw loads of guaranteed money at him to find out? The Bears are wisely banking on that not being the case.