Which teams could potentially steal veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller from the Washington Commanders in 2024 free agency?
There weren't many positives to take from the Washington Commanders' dismal season in 2023. This bears more significance on the defensive side, which vastly underachieved after many had high hopes they could become one of the league's most dominant units with the talent at their disposal.
Kendall Fuller was one of them. The veteran cornerback looked accomplished more often than not. There were a few moments of struggle, but it was another pleasing campaign overall in a contract year.
The Commanders should do everything in their power to keep Fuller around. They have plenty of salary-cap space to make him a sufficient offer. But as we've seen once during his career, the player won't hesitate to move elsewhere if a better opportunity comes along.
With this in mind, here are four teams who could potentially steal Fuller from the Commanders in free agency if those in power let him test the open market.
Commanders could lose Kendall Fuller to the Titans
The Tennessee Titans are in desperate need of veteran cornerback assistance. Dennard Wilson - the team's new defensive coordinator - knows the importance of having an accomplished secondary from his time on the Baltimore Ravens. Acquiring someone with Kendall Fuller's credentials could make a massive difference.
One could argue that the Washington Commanders have a more promising future than the AFC South strugglers looking at how things stand currently. If Fuller were to depart, it might be to a team boasting better chances of legitimately contending for the Super Bowl when push comes to shove.
That's arguably as important to Fuller at this stage of his career. But the Titans could make a bold bid if the Commanders don't make the former Virginia Tech star a decent enough offer.
Commanders could lose Kendall Fuller to the Lions
After one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history, the Detroit Lions fell agonizingly short of reaching the Super Bowl. Despite the eventual disappointment, this franchise is on the up and a more attractive destination than ever before with head coach Dan Campbell leading the charge.
Following offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's decision to spurn the Washington Commanders' advances to remain in Detroit, it would be a surprise if they weren't among the leading contenders in 2024 with a few roster tweaks. There weren't many weak links overall. But those in power should strongly consider splashing the cash on a veteran cornerback in pursuit of getting over the hump.
Kendall Fuller might be high on their shortlist of options if the Commanders let him speak to other teams. He's got the previous production and the right character to fit into Campbell's locker room superbly. This also provides the defensive back an opportunity to go after another ring, which would be a tremendous selling point if the Lions identified him as a free agent of interest.
Adding Fuller to the Lions' secondary would instantly improve their chances of going one better in 2024. The Commanders should fight hard to keep him around considering the questions surrounding others in the cornerback room. But this would be hard to turn down looking at Detroit's upward trajectory and the culture Campbell's built since taking the head coaching reins.
Commanders could lose Kendall Fuller to the Vikings
Brian Flores' aggressive defense proved to be feast or famine as expected with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. The defensive coordinator is renowned for blitzing heavily and leaving the secondary exposed. There were times when this paid off. But for the most part, the personnel in the passing game wasn't up to the required standard.
This is something the Vikings should address as a matter of urgency in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. While there is merit in finding a cheap, long-term option from the college ranks, acquiring someone with the previous production of Kendal Fuller should also be strongly considered if the price is right.
Putting Fuller opposite Byron Murphy Jr. represents an immediate upgrade. If former second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. can also leap forward in Year 3 of his professional career following countless injury complications, the Vikings would have a potentially productive trio to call upon.
The Washington Commanders cannot be in the business of letting good players leave this offseason if head coach Dan Quinn wants to hit the ground running. Much will also depend on Kirk Cousins' future with the Vikings in this scenario. If the veteran quarterback signs a new deal, their spending options decrease exponentially.
Minnesota has been right on the cusp for some time. Their window with some veteran players is closing. That could result in free agents like Fuller being targeted if those in power take one more shot before rebuilding.
Commanders could lose Kendall Fuller to the Raiders
Antonio Pierce is looking to build something special - and quickly - with the Las Vegas Raiders. The new head coach deservedly made his interim role more permanent after completely galvanizing the organization once Josh McDaniels was fired in 2023. His passion, energy, and ability to embrace the Raider Way went over extremely well. But the hard work starts now.
Pierce will know his leash could be short if things don't go well. That's why finding immediate difference-makers to help them along in free agency is paramount. Questions remain about the quarterback position once Jimmy Garoppolo is released, but fortifying the secondary should also be high on the Raiders' list of priorities.
Amik Robertson and Nate Hobbs were a solid if not spectacular cornerback pairing last season. Adding a veteran such as Kendall Fuller comes with obvious benefits attached - especially considering the standard of some passing attacks within the AFC West.
This might be seen as a sideways step for Fuller - one that might not guarantee playoff football. That said, there's arguably more talent in Las Vegas than across the Washington Commanders right now. They also have an inspiring leader steering them in the right direction.
It'll be interesting to see how things unfold with Fuller. The Commanders have the resources to extend him. They would also be wise not to overpay for anybody given their predicament. If that means the cornerback is free to take his chances elsewhere, he won't be short of offers.