The biggest surprise about a potential trade for Kristian Fulton is that he is not the problem. The obstacle is actually the depth chart behind him in Kansas City. A year ago, a deal looked simple for the Detroit Lions. Now, the situation has shifted in a way that makes a move much harder to pull off.
Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports broke down the complex reality facing the Chiefs on Thursday. He noted that availability has changed due to the team’s specific roster needs rather than any drop in Fulton’s skill. “I don’t know if he’s as available as he once was, and I think that has more to do with the Chiefs’ cornerback situation than it necessarily does with Fulton and his value,” Goldman said.
The Chiefs face a genuine depth issue that keeps Fulton on the roster. The team drafted Mansoor Delane with the sixth pick, but he hurt his shoulder in his first three snaps. Fulton stepped in immediately and played well without any practice time. He started the next week and performed at a high level again. This performance showed the team has a reliable backup who can start if needed.
The Risk of Losing Sneed
Another factor is the health of starter L’Jarius Sneed. For three or four years, a persistent knee injury has troubled him. The team knows how to manage it, but the risk remains high. Goldman warned that one bad play could flare up that injury and leave the defense with only three good cornerbacks. “All it takes is one bad play for that injury to flare up and for him to be out for a period of time, and then suddenly now you only have three good cornerbacks that you feel comfortable and confident with putting out there,” Goldman said.
With the next game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Chiefs need all hands on deck. In each game of this season, Justin Herbert has been sacked a minimum of two times. The Chiefs need to get pressure on him to win. Losing a starter like Sneed or Delane would leave them short against a team that throws the ball so often.
A Fair Price for a Starter
Despite the risks, Goldman believes Fulton is ready to play immediately. He thinks the player could have started last season if he stayed healthy. “I think he’s capable. I think he would have been starting or at least competing for a starting role in Kansas City last season had he been healthy,” Goldman said. A veteran capable of preventing the defense from collapsing would cost the Lions money.
Financials also play a role in the trade talks. Fulton is on a one-year deal, so moving him would clear cap space. This money could help the Chiefs take on a player with a bigger hit in another move. According to reports, the correct proposal might still secure the deal. A trade simulator on A to Z Sports puts his value between a fourth-round and sixth-round pick. A fourth-round pick is the high end of that range.
If Detroit offers a fourth-round pick, the Chiefs should take it. Goldman expressed confidence in Fulton’s ability to start right away. “[He] filled in very nicely for [Delane], where there wasn’t much of a drop-off. And frankly, that gives me confidence that, hey, this guy can come in and start for Kansas City,” Goldman said. He added, “And I think any team wanting to acquire him, they should have that confidence as well.”