Earlier this week, the Chargers welcomed Kristian Fulton as a free agent, and that visit resulted in an agreement.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the former Titans cornerback is moving to Los Angeles on a one-year
contract.
Although Fulton spent his whole four-year rookie deal with Tennessee, things did not go as planned in 2023. The
former second-round pick was limited to just 12 games because to benching and time spent on injured reserve. But
he made 11 starts, returning to the starting lineup he occupied for the majority of his Nashville tenure. This trade
may result in Fulton giving the Chargers a cheap starting point in the secondary.
Before accepting this one-year Chargers contract, Fulton reportedly turned down offers from the Bengals, Broncos,
and Cardinals, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. That may indicate that there was a significant financial
component to the purchase, but nonetheless, it shows the market he commanded despite a volatile stay in
Tennessee. In 42 Titans games, the 25-year-old has four interceptions and 25 pass breakups; nevertheless, he
particularly struggled in coverage last season, allowing 114.1 passer rating allowed.
Midway through the 2023 season, J.C. Jackson was let go by the Chargers, and veteran Michael Davis joined the
Commanders in free agency. Los Angeles needed a new first-team option to complement Asante Samuel Jr. and
Ja’Sir Taylor after those exits. Fulton, who spent a significant amount of time in the slot as a rookie but has since
been mainly utilized on the outside, will try to secure a starting position this offseason.
If the LSU alum stays healthy and effective in Los Angeles, it may significantly increase his market worth. Given his
age, he might sign a multi-year contract in 2024 if the injury problems that have dogged his career thus far are
resolved (Fulton has yet to participate in more than 13 games in a season). The Chargers have taken a chance on an
upside addition during the second wave of free agency as they continue to retool on both sides of the ball with a new
coaching staff and front office in place.
