The Denver Broncos and cornerback Kyle Fuller have agreed to a one-year deal worth $9.5 million, a source confirmed to The Athletic.
Fuller, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears, reunites with Broncos coach Vic Fangio, who was his defensive coordinator in Chicago. Fuller was released by the Bears on Saturday.
GO DEEPER
Kyle Fuller is reuniting with Vic Fangio, giving Broncos the look of a top defense
How Fuller fits in Denver
Nick Kosmider, Broncos beat writer: Like a glove? Like peanut butter on jelly? Like a snug pair of jeans? Take your pick.
Fuller has already thrived in this defense. During three seasons under Fangio in Chicago (2015, 2017 and 2018), Fuller made 11 interceptions and had 53 passes defended. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound defensive back was an All-Pro under Fangio in 2018, when he led the league in interceptions (seven) and passes defended (21). His strength, nose for the ball and comfort in the scheme played a major role in the Bears leading the NFL with 36 takeaways that season.
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Fuller is still just 29 years old and has started all 16 games in each of the last four seasons. Now slotted alongside Ronald Darby (27) and Bryce Callahan (29), the Broncos suddenly boast an impressive trio at the cornerback spot. So much for this position being the team’s biggest question mark.
2021 outlook
Kosmider: Fuller won’t have a steep learning curve as he steps back into this defense. That he’ll be playing with Callahan, his former teammate in Chicago, should only further ease his transition. It often takes marquee free agents a year before they become truly impactful with their new teams, but Fuller has a head start.
Is Fangio primed to have his best defense since becoming Denver’s head coach in 2019? It certainly looks like the pieces are in place. After the re-signing of Shelby Harris, the return of Von Miller, and the renovation of the cornerback position, the Broncos appear to have the kind of firepower that portend a top-five unit. Fuller’s signing has put an exclamation point on what has already been a promising offseason for Denver’s defense. It’s up to Fangio to make the most of the pieces.
(Photo: Raj Mehta / USA Today)