In a world where beggars can’t be choosers, Kristian Fulton turned down several offers before deciding to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. Per Turron Davenport, ESPN’s NFL Nation reporter covering the Tennessee Titans, Fulton turned down offers from the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and the Denver Broncos.
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Kristian Fulton’s reasoning could come down to how badly the Chargers are in need of cornerbacks. The Charger’s cornerback depth is scant even with the addition of Fulton. Asante Samuel played the most snaps of any defender who is returning, as well as, Ja’sir Taylor (46% of defensive snaps) and Deane Leonard (19%). They lost Michael Davis (77%) and Essang Bassey (19%) to free agency.
With the Broncos and Cardinals he would have to compete for a starting spot and with Cincinnati he would be relegated to a backup role behind DJ Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt.
In Denver Fulton would have been in completion with Demarri Mathis for the team’s boundary spot opposite All-Pro corner, Patrick Surtain. Mathis was off to a good start with quality play in his rookie season of 2022, but struggled to build on that in his sophomore attempt.
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Playing for the Chargers will ensure him the maximum playing time on his one-year contract, a defacto prove-it deal. Fulton will have an opportunity to prove that he can play at a high level and stay healthy doing so. He has missed 25 games in four seasons. If he rises to the challenge, the 25-year-old will have set himself up for a better, more long-term contract.
For the Chargers, it is a low-risk proposition. They need cornerbacks and he has been a competent DB when healthy.
