The Miami Dolphins had high hopes for Will Fuller V when they signed him to a one-year, $10 million deal last offseason. Whenever Fuller steps on the field, his team’s offense gets better. Unfortunately, he is unable to consistently stay on the field.
A suspension to begin the season and injuries once again derailed Fuller’s season. He played in only two games with the Dolphins and was a bust for a team that could have really used him given how shorthanded they were at times throughout the season at wide receiver.
Fuller has a ton of talent and is an elite deep threat with his speed. Plenty of teams could use that added dimension on their offense, but his inability to stay on the field will likely keep teams from considering him in free agency.
More than likely another one-year deal is in his future, as he needs to prove he can stay healthy. The skill and talent are there, but the durability isn’t. Who could take a chance on Fuller this offseason? Here are three teams who should consider signing the former Notre Dame speedster.
3. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have a lot of work to do this offseason. Ryan Poles took over as general manager and he is inheriting a roster that has holes all over the place. One position that could use some upgrading is wide receiver.
Darnell Mooney has proven to be a steal after being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But, if the Bears want Justin Fields to find any success, he needs more than just Mooney to throw the ball to.
Fuller makes sense for the Bears, as he won’t break the bank. They could bring him on a relatively cheap contract and he would bring a deep-ball threat that the team is currently missing. Saving money on someone such as Fuller would enable them to start filling other gaps on the roster in free agency.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. But, one of their needs heading into the offseason is wide receiver.
That may raise some eyebrows, as the Chiefs already have Tyreek Hill atop the depth chart and Travis Kelce is as good as it gets at the tight end position. However, beyond those two, Kansas City is lacking in the pass-catching department.
Not a single other receiver recorded a PFF grade over 70 during the season as Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson all failed to step up and consistently perform as the team’s No. 2. Could Fuller succeed in such a role?
There aren’t many landing spots better for a wide receiver looking to rehab value. Fuller could step into a prominent role right away and if he is healthy, produce some big numbers. That would enable him to re-enter free agency in 2023 with a chance to cash in on a lucrative long-term contract.
1. Detroit Lions
There are plenty of teams that will be scared off by Fuller’s inability to stay on the field. However, a team rebuilding such as the Detroit Lions that could use help basically everywhere may be willing to take that risk.
With glaring needs elsewhere, Detroit may not want to commit major assets to the wide receiver position. As a result, they could take a flier on Fuller and hope for the best. Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as a go-to receiver down the stretch, but there isn’t much else to rely on upon beyond him.
Fuller would have a chance at a major role in the passing game as a top-three option along with St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Given how often Detroit will likely be trailing in games, there will be plenty of opportunities to rack up stats for Fuller with the Lions.
