In the months prior to the season, the Denver Broncos became one of the most popular teams in the NFL after they added cornerback Kyle Fuller to their lineup as part of a series of huge moves. With the new addition, the Broncos were loaded at the cornerback position and expectedly teams came asking for a trade possibility. 

Broncos’ corner lineup included Fuller, fellow free-agent signing Ronald Darby, who would start on the outside, and Bryce Callahan. The Broncos also spent their No. 9 pick in the NFL 2021 Draft on Patrick Surtain II, who made his presence felt immediately.

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According to NFL.com, several teams with serious needs at the position called GM George Paton to inquire about a potential trade, with one particular team more aggressive than most — New Orleans Saints.

All queries were turned down by the Broncos. Trading Fuller, in Paton’s opinion, didn’t make sense in a situation where another player may be injured at any time. Denver expects its defence to carry the team this season, and it will need all of its available talents to fight for a postseason position.

Paton’s decision was rewarded almost immediately. Darby had a hamstring injury and was placed on the injured reserve list before Week 2. The absence isn’t anticipated to be long, but it’s still a setback for Denver’s secondary.

After Ronald Darby went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, the Broncos will face the Jaguars with first-round rookie Patrick Surtain II making his first start. Darby should be back soon, but if Denver hadn’t kept Fuller, it would be in jeopardy at one of the most crucial positions. They would have gotten a great draught pick if they had a player, but they didn’t.

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Fuller wasn’t the only free agent cornerback on the market; the Saints were also interested in Stephon Gilmore and Bradley Roby. They did, in fact, end up trading for Roby.

Fuller, on the other hand, has impressed teammates and coaches with his professionalism, businesslike demeanour, and poise.