The Chicago Bears have a gaping hole at cornerback following the release of two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller in order to free up $11 million in salary cap space. The Bears are attempting to fill that void with veteran Desmond Trufant, who signed a one-year, prove-it deal with Chicago.
A former first-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in 2013, Trufant had an impressive rookie season with the Falcons, where he recorded career highs with 70 tackles and 17 pass breakups. He spent his first seven seasons in Atlanta before signing with the Detroit Lions last season.
Trufant has started all 103 games he’s played in over the course of eight seasons, where he’s totaled 349 tackles, 14 interceptions, 83 pass breakups, 10 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 after recording 42 tackles, one interception and 11 pass breakups.
Last season with the Lions, Trufant played in just six games as he dealt with a hamstring injury. He totaled 20 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups.
From the ATL to the Motor City.
New @Lions CB @DesmondTrufant’s BEST PLAYS in 2019! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/zaNNPLzpdV
— NFL (@NFL) March 22, 2020
There’s no doubt that Trufant is a downgrade from Fuller, whose loss will be a big one in this secondary — due to his play and leadership. But Trufant has shown a knack for making plays in the past.
The only problem is, Trufant’s play has been declining since 2019, coupled with injury struggles, which prompted the Falcons to release him after seven years. He’s certainly not a reliable replacement for Fuller, and it makes the need for cornerback heading into the draft even more important.
While Trufant has impressed in the past, it’s hard to imagine him overcoming some of the injury struggles that have limited him to return to the high level he played at with the Falcons. Which almost makes his signing feel like a bandaid that could be ripped up at any point this season.
Now, Trufant is poised to fill the very big shoes of Fuller in a defensive backfield that lacked consistency. That is, unless Chicago finds his replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft, which feels like a no-brainer at this point.
