Kyle Fuller Officially Released by Bears After Failing to Find Trade Partner

The Chicago Bears officially parted ways with cornerback Kyle Fuller, making him an unrestricted free agent after general manager Ryan Pace was unable to facilitate a trade, according to ESPN's Field Yates. 

Fuller was previously signed through 2023 for $27 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the Bears added veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant on a one-year deal Friday. Fuller didn't have to wait long for a new contract, signing with the Denver Broncos on one-year, $9.5 million deal with $9 million guaranteed on Saturday afternoon, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The drop-off in production from Fuller to Trufant is rather dramatic, even if the latter saves the Bears money in the short term. 

In 103 career games, the 30-year-old Trufant has recorded 349 total tackles, 83 pass deflections, 14 interceptions and three forced fumbles. Fuller, who is a year younger, has 96 NFL appearances with 390 total tackles, 82 pass deflections, 19 interceptions and four forced fumbles. 

Trufant may still have plenty of value, but the Bears let a younger, more productive player at the same position walk away without receiving any assets in return. 

It's another confounding move for a Chicago team in flux. 

The Bears began free agency by adding quarterback Andy Dalton on a one-year, $10 million deal, naming him the starter in the process. That came after a failed bid to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. Chicago also used the franchise tag on wideout Allen Robinson II, then parted ways with key players like right tackle Bobby Massie, cornerback Buster Skrine and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris, further confusing fans on the team's offseason plan. 

The Bears already had a replacement in hand before cutting Fuller, but Trufant will have plenty to live up to as he heads to Chicago.