NFL free agency rolls on, and the Miami Dolphins continue to revamp their team with another notable addition. This time, it’s cornerback Kendall Fuller finding a new home with the Miami Dolphins, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The veteran corner, was considered one of the top remaining defensive free agents and has found his home for the next two years with a deal worth $16.5 million.
The #Dolphins signing cornerback Kendall Fuller for two years at $16.5 million, per source.
The top free agent corner goes off the board. pic.twitter.com/r0Mtui4540
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 14, 2024
How Kendall Fuller Came to the Miami Dolphins
Kendall Fuller landed among the top corners available because some other teams were using the franchise tag. The Chicago Bears gave Jaylon Johnson the franchise tag and the Kansas City Chiefs also placing the tag on L’Jarius Sneed.
The 29-year-old cornerback boasts an impressive resume, having spent most of his eight-season career with the Washington Commanders, along with a brief two year stint with the Chiefs.. It was with the Chiefs that Fuller solidified his reputation as a dependable full-time starter, although the emergence of Sneed signaled a reduced role and, ultimately, his departure in 2020.
Fuller was a cornerstone of the defense, playing virtually every snap over the past three seasons under a four-year, $40 million contract. Despite facing criticism for his coverage statistics in 2023, including a 120.4 passer rating and nine touchdowns allowed as the nearest defender, Fuller’s contributions were made in the context of a Commanders’ defense that experienced significant changes, especially with the midseason trade of its top edge rushers.
In 2023, Fuller had 79 tackles and 2 interceptions, further solidifying his resume as a starting cornerback option.
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 in free agency poses a challenge to the defensive front, but the acquisition of Fuller, alongside Jalen Ramsey, promises to fortify the secondary. Fuller’s versatility, having excelled both in the slot and on the perimeter, combined with his intelligence and positional discipline, positions him as a critical player in Weaver’s defensive strategy.
Fuller’s NFL journey has been marked by significant milestones, from being a crucial slot corner in his early years with Washington to clinching a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs. His return to Washington in 2020 as a free agent saw him transition into a predominantly outside starter role, highlighting his adaptability and growth as a player. Despite battling knee soreness that sidelined him for the final games of last season, Fuller’s contributions underline his knack for making game-changing plays.
Kendall Fuller picking off Josh Allen last season pic.twitter.com/840Csw7bvr
— Finscentral (@finscentral) March 14, 2024
The Miami Dolphins have been revamping their defense so far through free agency, and they look to continue to play into a window they’ve opened up with a stellar offense that should continue to be near the top of the league this upcoming season.