In hindsight, the Washington Commanders may have been the best thing that ever happened to cornerback Kendall Fuller.
First, the Commanders selected Fuller out of Virginia Tech in the 2016 NFL Draft, launching his NFL career.
Then, before the 2018 season, they traded Fuller to the Kansas City Chiefs. Two years later, he was a Super Bowl champion.
In 2020, when Fuller became a free agent, the Commanders signed him to a 4-year, $40 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position.
Now, in 2024, the Commanders could potentially bring Fuller back for a third stint after ESPN’s Seth Walder suggested a trade that would return Fuller to Washington from the Miami Dolphins, where he signed a 2-year, $15 million deal in March 2024.
“How about a second reunion with Fuller for Washington?” Walder wrote. “The Commanders need help at cornerback; they rank 31st in the NFL in defensive open score against wide receivers… With (Jayden) Daniels leading the offense, Washington is in position for a playoff run, and improving the defense would be crucial. Fuller would solidify a weak spot for the Commanders.”
This trade would also give Fuller the chance to experience something new in Washington—playing for a competitive team. The Commanders are currently 5-2 and leading the NFC East.
From ACC Star to Super Bowl Hero
Fuller was a two-time All-ACC selection and All-American at Virginia Tech. He became a part-time starter for the Commanders in his first two seasons, collecting 4 interceptions in just 6 starts in 2017.
During his two seasons with the Chiefs, Fuller started 19 games but made his mark by securing a game-sealing interception in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers.
Back in Washington in 2020, Fuller tied his career high with 4 interceptions, helping the Commanders make their last playoff appearance. Over his career, Fuller has played in 122 games with 98 starts and has recorded 16 interceptions.
Commanders Missed on 2023 First-Round Cornerback
The Commanders took a gamble in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. with the 16th overall pick. Despite his NCAA record of 6 interceptions returned for touchdowns, Forbes’ 6-foot, 166-pound frame has been a liability against NFL competition.
While Forbes did record his first interception of the season in a 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, his overall performance has been underwhelming. Over two seasons, he has struggled and could potentially be on the trade block.
This is especially relevant if the Commanders decide to bring Fuller back.
Washington has already moved on from two other first-round picks this season, trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles and releasing outside linebacker Jamin Davis.
“Forbes, the 16th pick in 2023, has faced a rough two seasons, dealing with injuries and being benched,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote on October 23. “While he could be traded, Washington also lacks depth at cornerback, and Forbes remains one of their top four corners.”
