Green Bay Packers: 4 Trade Targets with Deadline Looming
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Trade Target: Kyle Fuller, CB, Denver
There was some real concern surrounding the cornerback depth entering the season. But even without Jaire Alexander, the unit has held up alright with the emergence of Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, and some solid play from Chandon Sullivan over the last month, along with Kevin King against Cincinnati.
However, cornerback is also one of those positions where there is no such thing as too much depth. Also, a trio made up of Alexander, Stokes, and Fuller with King, Sullivan, and Douglas to lean on is a very good group.
Fuller spent his first seven seasons in Chicago and is coming off a 2020 season in which he allowed a completion rate of just 56 percent on 80 targets and only 11.4 yards per catch. He also came away with an interception and six pass breakups. Fuller’s best season with the Bears came in 2018 when he was an All-Pro.
But, admittedly, 2021 has not been kind to Fuller in Denver. On 29 targets, he has allowed 18 completions at nearly 17 yards per catch, while quarterbacks have a passer rating of 120.2 when targeting him. Fuller has also lost his starting job in the process.
Jon Heath of Broncos Wire explains why Denver would be willing to part ways with Fuller:
"“Denver is starting big-money free agent signing Ronald Darby and first-round draft pick Pat Surtain on the outside, and PFF darling Bryce Callahan is playing in the slot. The Broncos will also eventually get 2020 third-round pick Michael Ojemudia back from injury, so the team has plenty of depth at corner. Fuller has been benched in Denver and the team would likely be willing to trade him for a mere late-round pick.”"
Brian Gutekunst has shown interest in Fuller in the past. During the 2018 offseason, the Green Bay Packers offered Fuller a four-year deal worth $56 million, but the Bears would match the offer sheet and keep him in Chicago. Fuller also has plenty of experience playing under Vic Fangio — both in Chicago and Denver — which is where the Joe Barry defense has its roots.
According to Brad Spielberger of PFF, Fuller has about $5.8 million left in his 2021 salary, far too much for the Packers, meaning Denver would have to convert a portion of his salary to a signing bonus in order to make the move work for many teams.