As the dust settles on the opening days of free agency in the NFL, question marks surround many starting-caliber players — and a few big stars. Will Fuller falls somewhere on the spectrum between “starter” and “star.” What are some of the most intriguing landing spot predictions for Fuller — a frequently injured but highly talented free agent?
Predictions for Will Fuller in free agency
Some teams might have given up on him. Others see him for what he is — a dynamic playmaker when he’s on the field. The problem is “when” cuts both ways. And for a player who’s missed 49% of his teams’ games these past five seasons, “when” isn’t good enough. Approaching 28 years old and likely headed toward another “prove-it” one-year contract, Fuller can revive his once-promising career on several teams.
One interesting stat before diving in: I was curious about Fuller’s catch rate. It’s been tumultuous during his career. Digging deeper into his game-by-game numbers, I found that he caught an impressive 69% of his targets when Deshaun Watson was starting. But with all other (lesser) QBs, his catch rate was 52%.
If Fuller wants to earn a nice payday in 2023, he’s probably looking to land on a team with a QB who can get him the ball — not an unproven or shaky quarterback who could lower his stock further.
With that in mind, here are three that could prove to be win-win situations for both sides. The third one assumes the Eagles’ starting QB takes another step forward as a passer.
Green Bay Packers
Can you imagine Fuller at his best (and healthiest) playing alongside Davante Adams? Fuller was on pace for three straight 1,000+ yard seasons from 2018 to 2020, even while playing alongside DeAndre Hopkins for two of them. Surely he could shine if he can overcome his durability issues and replicate his per-game numbers from his time in Houston.
As for Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers re-upped to win at least one more title. And candidly, he needs more than Adams and a “solid” Allen Lazard. Fuller represents the kind of rental well-suited for a team like the Packers, which clearly remains in “win-now” mode as long as Rodgers keeps suiting up.
New England Patriots
Head coach Bill Belichick is the king of reclamation projects. Some pan out (like LeGarrette Blount). Others fail miserably (remember Antonio Brown’s one game as a Patriot?).
New England needs more talent around young QB Mac Jones. Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Jonnu Smith probably won’t get them beyond the first round of the playoffs. Fuller at his best would be better than any other Patriot receiver at their best.
Philadelphia Eagles
Last week, PFN colleague Tommy Garrett highlighted Philly as one of several ideal landing spots for Fuller. His words remain relevant today. The Eagles are somewhere between a playoff contender and a rebuild. The efficient and mostly underutilized Miles Sanders will be a free agent next offseason, and the franchise remains noncommittal toward Jalen Hurts as their long-term quarterback. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert anchor an extraordinarily top-heavy passing attack.
Fuller offers nothing-to-lose value. If they get 10 games out of him, he would be an instant upgrade at the No. 2 wideout position, and at his best, Fuller could push Smith for No. 1 status.
