Heading into the Los Angeles Chargers’ Week 5 bye this past season, Fulton had looked like one of the NFL’s most improved players. Among cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps, he had allowed the 11th-lowest passer rating when targeted as the nearest defender (69.7), according to Next Gen Stats. He secured his first interception since the 2022 season when he picked off Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes in Week 4.

But after the Chargers’ bye week, Fulton’s play declined. He also missed two games with a hamstring injury and played sparingly in multiple games while managing it. According to Next Gen Stats, from Week 6 until the end of the regular season, Fulton allowed the eighth-highest passer rating in the NFL as the nearest defender (114.0) and tied for the fifth most touchdowns allowed (4).

A second-round pick in 2020 out of LSU, Fulton had been plagued by injuries in his first four years with the Tennessee Titans, missing 23 games. But Fulton said he thought he had proven in 2024 that he could get through a season without significant injury.

Fulton, 26, played 15 games in 2024, the most of his career, finishing with one interception and 51 tackles.

For his career, he has 201 tackles and five interceptions in 57 games (51 starts).

NFL free agency has kicked off with the legal negotiation window — which began at noon ET on Monday — and players will be able to officially sign with new teams after 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, which is the start of the new league year. There has already been plenty of action.

Over the past few days, wideout DK Metcalf (Steelers), quarterback Geno Smith (Raiders) and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (Commanders) have all been traded. Sam Darnold cracked $100 million and took Smith’s spot in Seattle, while Justin Fields landed a contract with the Jets and Daniel Jones signed with the Colts. Edge rusher Khalil Mack, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and receiver Chris Godwin all re-signed with their respective teams. Edge rusher Joey Bosa slides into the Bills’ defense, Receiver Davante Adams joined the Rams, cornerback D.J. Reed will play with the Lions, edge rusher Josh Sweat is headed to the Cardinals and defensive tackle Milton Williams will shore up the Patriots’ defense.