Talking about what the Bears should do with Jay Cutler is always a controversy. Cutler had a season filled with injuries and poor play. He missed much of the season because he was hurt. The Bears had to rely on less experience and “cheaper” second and third string quarterbacks. He has become a problem and perhaps it’s time to let him walk.
On the other side, there may be some things that were out of Cutler’s control over the course of his career in Chicago. He has had several offensive coordinators which means he has been forced to learn a new offense often. The offensive lines he has had to work with have been average to below average and a quarterback can’t work well with that. Head coaches have come and gone making things difficult for him.
Perhaps some of the struggles he has faced shouldn’t be considered entirely his fault?
But the consensus, and what might be the best thing for the Bears, is for the Bears to let Cutler go.
When it comes to his salary, Cutler earned $16,000,000 plus a $1,000,000 restructuring bonus last season. His total salary in 2016 was $17,000,000. In 2017, he is scheduled to be paid $12,500,000 in addition to a $2,500,000 roster bonus and a $1,000,000 restructuring bonus for a total salary of $16,000,000. If the Bears were to let him go they would take a $2,000,000 cap hit (dead money).
Should the Bears let him walk and save some money? Or should they let him continue to “live” on the roster hoping he won’t get injured or play poorly.
The opinion of some fans and media are that the Bears should try to trade Cutler. There might be a willing trade partner who would be good with giving the Bears something for him. Getting something (maybe anything?) for Cutler would be a huge plus. It would be foolish for them to just let him go and not get something in return.
The Bears, as well as Cutler, are probably looking for a fresh start. It’s time that both sides got one. Cutler needs to be off the roster next season.