The Chicago Bears’ decision to release cornerback Kyle Fuller last week left them with little choice but to add a veteran free agent to replace him in the starting lineup.
Enter Desmond Trufant, the former 2013 first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, who said one of the main reasons he inked a one-year deal with the Bears was the opportunity to play with a generational talent like Khalil Mack.
“You don’t get too many opportunities to play with a guy like him,” Trufant said. “He’s a Hall of Fame-type of player. And then the respect, what he’s been able to do. And I know he’s going to continue to do what he does. That makes my life easier as a corner. You got guys up front that are getting pressure like that. I’m really excited for this opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of it, for sure.”
Trufant should have little trouble wrestling the starting job away from youngsters like Kindle Vildor and Duke Shelley. In fact, the only way he doesn’t line up with the first team is if the Bears end up drafting a prospect like Greg Newsome II in the first round of April’s 2021 NFL draft.
Trufant’s battled health issues the last two seasons, appearing in just 15 games since 2019. He managed four interceptions in just nine games in 2019 with the Falcons and secured one pick last season as a member of the Lions.
Trufant’s started 97 games since 2013 and has 14 interceptions and 83 passes defended during that time.
