Redskins send Kendall Fuller to Chiefs in trade for Smith, per report
By Ian Cummings
The Washington Redskins were reported to have sent a third round pick and an unnamed player to the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, it appears we know that player’s name.
The Washington Redskins made late night news with a blockbuster trade deal for Alex Smith, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. In the trade details, it was noted that the Redskins had sent a third round pick and an unnamed player to Kansas City, in return for the veteran signal caller.
It was at first reported that the player’s name would not be revealed until morning. But, as is the way with all breaking news events, the flow of information has a mind of its own. And we now know that the player leaving for the AFC West is Kendall Fuller.
In Alex Smith trade, Chiefs will receive third-round pick And CB Kendall Fuller, per @FieldYates. So there’s the trade.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2018
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the shipping of Kendall Fuller to Kansas City would be a baffling move by Bruce Allen and the Redskins’ front office. The slot cornerback was one of the best defenders in the nation in 2017, and at just 22 years old, he had a very long, successful career ahead.
By ousting Fuller for an aging quarterback, the Washington Redskins have set themselves up with a tough long-term situation. Their defense was on the uptrend, but now, without a stout slot corner to lock down the box, serious work will need to be done to find his replacement. And without a third round pick this year, they may face an uphill battle.
Fuller was rated one of Pro Football Focus’ top cornerbacks in 2017, and some pundits had him pegged as the best slot cornerback in the nation. It was a mammoth rise from a rookie season that saw the Virginia Tech product confused and overwhelmed by the pace of the game. In just one year, he was able to join the ranks of the elite. Now, it seems as if he’ll take his talents somewhere else.
Next: BREAKING NEWS: Redskins trade for Chiefs QB Alex Smith
Again, nothing is confirmed, as of late. This situation is fluid. But we will work to provide you with updates by the minute as this trade drama continues to unfold.