Could Commanders Cut CB Kendall Fuller After Drafting DB Pair?

With back-to-back defensive back selections in the NFL Draft the Washington Commanders are sending a strong message that their secondary is under renovation.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders surprised many by drafting cornerback Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

But it wasn't the position that shocked, it was the player. 

On Day 2, in the second round, the Commanders went back to the defensive back pool and that's where the surprise came in for many. 

There's one person who should be more interested - and perhaps confused - by the draft development than anyone, Washington cornerback Kendall Fuller.

Forbes represents a desire for the Commanders to get longer on the outside, something that started with the selection of Benjamin St-Juste three years ago. 

Meanwhile, Illinois safety Jartavius Martin was a slot specialist in college, and immediately gets penciled in as a starting contender there for Washington. 

So, the question is, where does Fuller fit?

A team captain in 2022, Fuller has started 47 games for the Commanders since coming back to the franchise in 2020. 

In those three seasons, he's totaled eight interceptions and took two of them back for touchdowns last season alone. 

All-in-all, it wasn't a terrible campaign when looked at as a whole, but it's undeniable there were stretches where Fuller's play left much to be desired. 

It appears now the veteran may be getting phased out of the defense he was just a leader of last season, and it may actually come faster than many expect. 

With a potential cap savings of $8.5 million available if Washington chooses to trade or release Fuller, the team could complete the communication by making him a free agent. 

At best - or worst depending on how you view things - the Commanders veteran is squarely placed into a camp battle that could see him relegated to backup duties. 

Quite the fall, and quite the overhaul we've witnessed in Washington defensive backfield when combining these moves with the selections of defensive backs Percy Butler and Christian Holmes in last year's NFL Draft, and the trade sending cornerback William Jackson III to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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