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Report: Texans will not use franchise tag on Will Fuller

Field Level Media

February 25, 2021 at 11:39 pm.

The Houston Texans will not place a franchise tag on wide receiver Will Fuller, likely prompting his departure via free agency, according to a report Thursday from the Houston Chronicle.

The 26-year-old Fuller had career highs with 53 catches for 879 yards and eight touchdowns in only 11 games in 2020. But his breakout season came to a sudden stop when the NFL suspended him for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Fuller’s suspension will carry over into Week 1 of the 2021 season.

The likely departure of Fuller marks the latest change in a busy offseason for the Texans, who already cut ties with star defensive end J.J. Watt. Star quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly also has requested a trade.

Houston drafted Fuller in the first round (No. 21 overall) out of Notre Dame in 2016. He has 209 career receptions for 3,110 yards and 24 touchdowns in 53 career games (52 starts).