Set to hit free agency this coming March, Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller is in the midst of a breakout season.
The former first-round pick has posted a career high in receptions (53), yards (879) and touchdowns (eight) in just 11 games this season.
Unfortunately, Will Fuller might have played his final game in a Texans uniform when they defeated the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving this past Thursday.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Texans, check out #WeAreTexans rumors, rankings and news here.
NFL suspends Houston Texans WR Will Fuller six games
The Notre Dame product took to social media on Monday to announce that the league has suspended him six games for violating its ban on performance enhancing drugs (PED). Fuller explained the situation to the best of his ability.
“Earlier this year, I sought treatment from a medical professional who prescribed medication that he believed to be permitted under the NFL’s drug policy. As it turns out, my trust in this professional was misplaced because this medication was NOT a permitted substance under the NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances,” Will Fuller said in a statement. “As a result of this mistake, I have been suspended for six games for taking this prohibited medication. I want to sincerely apologize to the Texans organization and all of my fans for this mistake. I am looking forward to putting this all behind me and returning better than ever in 2021.”
With five games remaining in the 2020 season, Fuller will now be suspended for the first week of the 2021 campaign, regardless of what team he is suiting up for.
Will Fuller stats
After being selected No. 21 overall back in 2016, Fuller has dealt with a plethora of injuries. While the speedy receiver has shown flashes of brilliance, it didn’t all come together until this season.
- 2016: 47 receptions, 635 yards, two touchdowns (14 games)
- 2017: 28 receptions, 423 yards, seven touchdowns (10 games)
- 2018: 32 receptions, 503 yards, four touchdowns (seven games)
- 2019: 49 receptions, 670 yards, three touchdowns (11 games)
- 2020: 53 receptions, 879 yards, eight touchdowns (11 games)
As you can see, Will Fuller has never played a full 16-game schedule in his five NFL seasons. That will obviously include the 2020 campaign. Despite this, the speedster is seen as a top pending free agent.
Related: 2022 NFL Power Rankings – Outlook for all 32 teams entering summer
Will Fuller suspension and impact in free agency
We do not have Fuller among our top-25 free agents this coming March. That’s primarily because of his injury issues and the strength of the wide receiver class as a whole.
Despite this, the 26-year-old pass catcher was slated to cash in big time on a long-term contract during free agency. His willingness to take responsibility could be looked at as a good thing.
Even then, this suspension coupled with Fuller’s injury woes could lead some to believe that he’ll have to take a one-year, prove-it deal. Time will tell on that front.