As the Chicago Bears continue to retool their roster heading into the 2025 season, adding a proven veteran to the secondary could be a smart, low-cost move.
One potential option still available via free agency is cornerback Kendall Fuller, a nine-year NFL veteran with Super Bowl experience and positional versatility. He’s 30, but Fuller still has enough left in the tank to provide reliable depth and solid mentorship behind Chicago’s young core of defensive backs.
Windy City Gridiron’s Jacob Infante noted the Bears could benefit from adding an experienced corner, and Fuller was one low-cost option on his list.
Fuller also kinda-sorta has ties to the Bears — he’s the younger brother of former All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller, who played in Chicago from 2014 to 2020. And All-Pro in 2018, Kyle’s hard-hitting style made him a fan favorite. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t like the familial connection narrative. Let’s discuss.
Fuller Is a Versatile 9-Year Vet With Valuable Experience
GettyShould the Chicago Bears sign CB Kendall Fuller in free agency?
Fuller emerged from Virginia Tech as an elite defensive back, getting selected in the third round (84th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by Washington. That made him the fourth Fuller brother in the NFL—a rare family milestone.
After two seasons in Washington, Fuller was traded to Kansas City, where he became a starting cornerback for the Chiefs. He made a defining play by hauling in the game-sealing interception in Super Bowl 54, helping Kansas City bring home the Lombardi trophy that year. A solid tackler, across the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he amassed over 80 tackles each season.
Fuller returned to Washington in 2020 on a four-year, $40 million contract, immediately stepping into a starting role. From 2020 through 2023 he started nearly every game, totaling close to 400 solo tackles and 16 interceptions in that span.
In March 2024, he signed with the Miami Dolphins, netting 37 tackles and seven passes defended across 11 games. He did suffer multiple concussions, so that’s certainly a concern.
Following his release from Miami in February of 2025, Fuller remains a free agent.
Should Chicago Bears Sign Free Agent CB Kendall Fuller?
Fuller could be a potentially low-risk, high-reward signing for the Bears before the 2025 season starts. With over 500 tackles and 16 interceptions across nine seasons, he has shown he can play outside corner, slot, press and zone coverage, all at a relatively high level.
His postseason experience is also valuable, and Chicago’s current youth movement in the secondary, adding a stabilizing veteran presence behind starters Tyrique Stevenson or Kyler Gordon could provide crucial insurance in the event of injuries or inconsistent play.
At this stage in his career, Fuller likely won’t command a long-term or expensive deal, especially after being released by the Dolphins. That opens the door for the Bears to bring him in on a short-term, incentive-laden contract to compete for a rotational role during camp. While Fuller isn’t the high-end starter he once was, he should be a solid depth piece if he can keep the injury bugs at bay.
Beyond the stats, Fuller brings strong intangibles. He’s well-respected in the locker room, and adding him would bring maturity, high football IQ and a winning pedigree to the Bears’ secondary.
