In a salary cap saving move, the Miami Dolphins have cut cornerback Kendall Fuller before next month’s free agency. According to reports, it seems like the Dolphins are cleaning house as Miami is moving on from Fuller. However, the financial landscape for Miami doesn’t look the best as there could be multiple releases in the coming days from the Dolphins as they already let go of running back Raheem Mostert and tight end Durham Smythe. Despite that, Fuller leaving puts the Dolphins in a mess as they will probably need to restore the secondary unit as one of their priorities.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Virginia Tech product had a promising window to excel with the Washington Redskins (Commanders) behind former cornerbacks Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland. However, he was never able to capture his full form since he didn’t get the starting opportunity so the Commanders let him go after one season of struggles leading him to join the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for quarterback Alex Smith. Fuller became the No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart after the Chiefs traded Marcus Peters where in 2019, the cornerback was able to help the team win a Super Bowl. He wasn’t an effective starter the following season but he made a few crucial plays enough to lead Jimmy Garopplo to throw a late interception.
Fuller might not be the same player he once was but given his recent stats and production with the return to the Commanders, he still has a lot in the tank. Even with 11 games in a Dolphin uniform, he put up 50 tackles and 11 passes defensed. The Ravens, Panthers could be fits for his capabilities.
Ravens, Panthers Could Fight for Dolphins Cut Cornerback Kendall Fuller
Brushing up the Secondary
The Baltimore Ravens are closer to winning a Super Bowl sooner than anyone thinks despite the brutal end to their 2024 campaign. Baltimore’s offense is on point but not so much for the pass defense that was torn apart for the majority of the season. The team only has two capable cornerbacks in Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins. Humphrey is at risk of getting cut this offseason since the salary cap situation isn’t in the team’s favor again.
Perhaps, it would be necessary for the Ravens to spend the money on other holes at their biggest needs. However, the Ravens would need another cornerback either way to take down the best of the best in the AFC. Brandon Stephens probably had one of the worst seasons and since he’s a free agent, it leaves the Ravens at a hole. With that, Fuller might not do much but he’s an effective rotational cornerback that can still stop the aerial attack.
Jaycee Horn’s Help
As for the Carolina Panthers, they won’t go to the Super Bowl but a wild card is close to their possession. The team spent most of last offseason building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young. However, it didn’t do much dividends for the Panthers who are still rewiring the pass game in Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. Despite that, the secondary unit is still probably the weakest in 2024 which was probably a reason why the team gave up plenty of points
Jaycee Horn is arguably still the best cornerback on the active roster at the moment and with him entering the final year of his contract, the Panthers should sign more help. Mike Jackson has a high ceiling but one should wait to see what he can do the following season. Fuller might win the starting job and be a capable defender who’s able to create opportunities for the rest of the secondary.
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