Training camp is an exciting time for football fans. While the feel of a cool breeze has everyone excited for the leaves to change colors and give way to an autumn Sunday, the heat of training camp is accompanied by a different kind of excitement as new players hit the field.
It’s why March is one of the best times to be a football fan, even if there aren’t any games to be played. The Kansas City Chiefs used it as their first step in healing after a loss in the Super Bowl, and they took full advantage of overhauling their roster during the free agent period.
Of course, not all signings pan out, and one new Chiefs defender has been a disappointment, even though he hasn’t seen the field.
Chiefs Fans Are Still Waiting on Kristian Fulton’s Debut
The Chiefs made a surprising move in free agency when they signed cornerback Kristian Fulton. A former second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, Fulton had his most expanded role with the Los Angeles Chargers, logging a career-high 827 snaps with an overall grade of 68.9 according to Pro Football Focus.
While Fulton was projected to start opposite Trent McDuffie this season, he underwent offseason surgery on his injured knee and hasn’t been on the field to validate the two-year, $20 million contract he signed in March.
“We’re going to have to find out what we have in Kristian Fulton, because he’s missed a lot of time,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo told reporters last week. “It’s not like step right in here in a multiple system like we have and know what you’re doing. So it may take a little while to get him ramped up, but we’re anxious to get him back and get more competition at that spot.”
Spagnuolo’s comments are spot on when you consider what the Chiefs have at cornerback. McDuffie is locked in as Kansas City’s top corner, and Jaylen Watson missed significant time last season with a fractured ankle. Rookie Nohl Williams has stacked good days together since the start of camp and the Chiefs probably wouldn’t like to rely on Nazeeh Johnson after he struggled in relief of Watson last season.
That’s where Fulton comes in. The 26-year-old allowed 43 catches on 491 yards with an interception and five pass break-ups on 66 targets. But he also allowed six touchdowns, which is cause for concern. Getting him on the field and into the system would go a long way in easing fans’ fears, but until he returns to the lineup, Chiefs fans and the coaching staff will label him as a disappointment.
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