(670 The Score) The Bears will release cornerback Kyle Fuller to clear salary cap space, NFL Media reported Thursday evening.
His departure is expected to save the team $11 million in cap space. Fuller would've carried a $20-million cap hit in 2021 if Chicago kept him on his current contract. The Bears haven't yet made the release of Fuller official.
A first-round pick of the Bears in 2014, Fuller has played in 96 games, starting 94, and posted 19 interceptions over six NFL seasons. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and 2019. Fuller started all 16 games last season, intercepting one pass.
Fuller, 29, is suddenly one of the top players available on the open market and is expected to be an in-demand free agent.
After releasing Fuller, the Bears will likely elevate 2020 second-round pick Jaylon Johnson into their top cornerback role.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.