San Francisco 49ers free agency 2018: Top 5 targets
By Joe Romano
Kyle Fuller, CB
Former team: Chicago Bears
Should the price tag for Johnson come in higher than the 49ers to jump on, they could turn to alternatives at the corner position. One player I would take a look at is former Chicago Bears’ corner Kyle Fuller.
A former first round pick out of Virginia Tech, Fuller had his best season this past year. He was on the roster bubble entering the season. Luckily for Chicago they held onto him. He finished second in the league in passes defended and was a big reason for Chicago’s strong pass defense, despite their record.
With Witherspoon on one side, Fuller would jump in opposite him. Given Fuller’s age, he will turn 26 this season, a long term deal should not scare away San Francisco.
The team clearly covets size at the cornerback position. Witherspoon is 6-foot-3, one of the tallest corners in the NFL. Fuller may be on the shorter side of what they’re looking for at just under six feet, but he makes up for it with long arms and athletic ability.
Fuller may cause pause in some front offices. They will ask why he only played well in a contract year or what made him struggle early on. Some of those may be opportunity or maturation at at tough position.
Regardless of those concerns, the talented defensive back will get a solid contract this offseason. He will join that second tier of corners including former teammate Prince Amukamara and Morris Claiborne. San Francisco should look at that tier, especially if they land an impact wide receiver like Landry or Robinson.