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Jay Cutler: Three Possible Fates for Next Season

By William "Wild Bill" Ingalls

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Trading Cutler

By far an away the most difficult option for the Bears would be a trade. At 34 years of age next season, Cutler will be a difficult sell. A $16 million cap hit is a big ask when the play is aging, inconsistent, and has a long injury history. However, a few NFL teams have significant questions at quarterback and could seriously consider Cutler. The compensation might not be significant, but Ryan Pace has proven to make even low draft picks into contributors.

The first team the Ryan Pace should contact is the New York Jets. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a complete and utter nightmare for a team that significantly underperformed all year. The Jets are in a win now situation with the talent they have on the roster. Considering how much money the Jets shelled out for Fitzpatrick, Cutler’s $16 million doesn’t seem too crazy. The Bears also should look into contacting the Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Cleveland Browns who all have questions at quarterback.

However, one option appears to be extremely intriguing, the Houston Texans. Houston made a huge gamble in signing Brock Osweiler to a mega-deal, and got burned. While cutting Osweiler would be grossly expensive, the Texans are a team that is one competent quarterback away from a playoff run. The AFC South is the weakest division in football, and losing it next year considering the talent on the roster could cost head coach Bill O’Brien his job.

All the above options are long shots, but trading Cutler would be a win-win situation for the Bears. Not only would his contract be cleared off the books, but Pace would receive another draft pick to play with. Trading Cutler is the most beneficial of the three fates for the Bears.

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