With the 2021 NFL trade deadline just a few weeks away, the Denver Broncos should consider moving cornerback Kyle Fuller.
The Broncos loaded up at the cornerback position during the offseason by signing Fuller and Ronald Darby while also using their first-round pick on Patrick Surtain. However, over the last couple of games, the defense has struggled and given up multiple big plays.
Fuller, who was signed to a one-year, $9.5 million contract this offseason, has been a big disappointment. That is surprising, as many thought he could be as good as the MVP of the team’s defense this year.
It has not gone that way. He has struggled to stay with guys and has given up big plays left and right this season. With Darby expected to return soon, he could cut into the snap count of Fuller.
Prior to the start of the season, there were reports that the Broncos were getting calls for both Fuller and Callahan but it is thought that Denver had a high asking price for both.
If teams are still interested, the Broncos need to consider making a move.
With the deadline fast approaching, teams such as the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets are rumored to be monitoring the cornerback market.
The Broncos may want to hold onto Fuller despite his struggles, and teams are not going to be willing to give up what the team was likely looking for at the start of the season, but if a contending team such as the Bills were to make a solid offer, the Broncos should listen.
The Broncos could still use help at the wide receiver position, despite signing veteran John Brown to the practice squad, and if they could get a proven veteran or even a talented developmental prospect in exchange for Fuller, it could be a move to make.
The Broncos will get Darby back and both Michael Ojemudia and Essang Bassey should have a chance to return to the field soon. The team could also start to get a look at rookie Kary Vincent Jr., who has been inactive for each of the first five games.
Fuller might be somewhere else in 2022 anyway
Fuller will be a free agent after this season and if he continues to play the way he has started out in Denver, it is not likely there would be any interest in keeping him anyway. If the Broncos could get something for him now, it’s a thought worth pursuing.
If the Broncos don’t trade Fuller, they need to, at the very least, begin to limit his snaps as soon as Darby is back at 100 percent. Fuller has proven to be a liability on defense and teams are going to continue to try and exploit him.
If that is the case, and you are only guaranteed to have the player until the end of the year, why not move him to a situation that might be better for him and get back a player or players that can become bigger assets to the team?