According to a report from CBS Sports nearly a month ago, the Chicago Bears weren't planning to retain starting cornerback Kyle Fuller ahead of free agency. While it's still possible that Fuller moves on to a new organization, Chicago has applied the transition tag to Fuller and can retain him as long as they match any offer he receives.
Per the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:
The deadline to apply franchise and transition tags was at 4 p.m. ET.
In 2017, Fuller finally broke out and replicated the success from his rookie season, compiling 67 tackles, 22 pass deflections, and a pair of interceptions while starting in all 16 games.
After missing all of the 2016 season with a knee injury, the Bears decided not to pick up his fifth-year option last April, which would've been worth $8.53 million. Instead, Fuller is owed $12.97 million on the transition tag.
Rapoport notes that this move allows Chicago to negotiate a long-term deal with the talented cornerback beyond the July 15th franchise tag deadline. Opposed to the franchise tag, the Bears won't receive any compensation should they choose not to match an offer Fuller receives from another team.
Retaining Fuller in their secondary is vital for a franchise that is expected to lose the cornerback opposite of him, Prince Amukamara. With defensive coordinator Vic Fangio still in the fold, keeping the former 14th overall pick will allow him to get creative else where given Fuller's ability to shutdown top-end receivers with little help.
With new head coach Matt Nagy, the Bears are looking to improve on their 5-11 record from a year ago. Keeping Fuller makes that a little easier.
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