As NFL free agency continues, the Miami Dolphins make another major addition to their roster. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, cornerback Kendall Fuller has signed with the Miami Dolphins. The veteran cornerback was considered one of the top remaining defensive free agents and has signed a two-year deal worth $16.5 million.
The #Dolphins have signed cornerback Kendall Fuller for two years at $16.5 million, according to a source.
The top free agent corner is off the board. pic.twitter.com/r0Mtui4540
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN), March 14, 2024
How Kendall Fuller Come to the Miami Dolphins.
Kendall Fuller was among the top cornerbacks available since other teams were using the franchise tag. The Chicago Bears assigned the franchise tag to Jaylon Johnson, and the Kansas City Chiefs did the same for L’Jarius Sneed.
The 29-year-old cornerback has a strong pedigree, having spent the majority of his eight-season career with the Washington Commanders, including a brief two-year stay with the Chiefs. Fuller established himself as a reliable full-time starter with the Chiefs, but the rise of Sneed predicted a diminished role and, eventually, his departure in 2020.
Fuller was a defensive stalwart, playing nearly every snap over the previous three seasons on a four-year, $40 million contract. Despite receiving criticism for his coverage statistics in 2023, which included a 120.4 passer rating and nine touchdowns allowed as the nearest defender, Fuller’s contributions came in the context of a Commanders defense that had undergone significant changes, particularly with the midseason trade of its top edge rushers.
Fuller recorded 79 tackles and two interceptions in 2023, cementing his position as a starting cornerback.
The Miami Dolphins recently released Xavien Howard, which opened a spot for someone like Kendall Fuller to step in, and only solidified the decision further.. Fuller’s arrival with the Miami Dolphins is a strategic move to bolster a secondary that aims to improve upon its middling interception and passing yards allowed rankings from last season. Fuller will fit right in while playing opposite of Jalen Ramsey. His track record of 10 interceptions and 49 pass deflections during his second tenure with Washington speaks volumes of his potential impact on a Miami Dolphins defense undergoing significant transitions.
The Dolphins are ushering in a new era on the defensive side of the ball with their new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, following the departure of Vic Fangio. The loss of Christian Wilkins’ free agency presents a challenge for the defensive front, but the addition of Fuller, coupled with Jalen Ramsey, promises to strengthen the secondary. Fuller’s flexibility, having played both in the slot and on the perimeter, combined with his intellect and positional discipline, make him an important piece in Weaver’s defensive system.
Fuller’s NFL career has been defined by notable achievements, ranging from being a key slot corner in his early years with Washington to winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs. When he returned to Washington as a free agent in 2020, he transitioned into a largely outside starter role, demonstrating his adaptability and progress as a player. Despite dealing with knee discomfort
Sidelined during the last games of last season, Fuller’s efforts demonstrate his ability to make game-changing plays.
Kendall Fuller picks off Josh Allen last season.twitter.com/840Csw7bvr
— Finscentral (@finscentral), March 14, 2024.
The Miami Dolphins have been rebuilding their defense in free agency, and they hope to capitalize on a window they’ve created with a terrific offense that should remain near the top of the league this season.
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