The Chicago Bears officially have the upper hand. Jay Cutler wants a contract extension. Josh McCown is proving that will not happen. As the two sides prepare to begin negotiations on exactly how much Cutler's future is worth in Chicago, the success of McCown gives the team all the leverage they want. The veteran continues to get the vocal support as the team's starting quarterback, but time will tell how long that will last.
On national television Monday night, McCown recorded 348 yards for four touchdowns as the Bears bounce right back into the playoff race. Since Cutler has been out due to multiple injuries, McCown has taken the starting job and ran with it. He appears to be the perfect quarterback for Marc Trestman's system as he gets better each week.
Despite the backup's successes, Trestman continues to say that when Cutler is healthy, he will start. McCown has supported this belief saying Cutler gives the Bears the best chance at winning. Except Chicago is winning with McCown, not Cutler. No matter the numbers, the head coach is sticking with the guy with the bigger contract.
"There's no change in the plan," Trestman said, via ESPN.com. "We'll see where Jay is this week. He'll have to be released by the doctors. When Jay is ready to play, he'll be playing. When (Cutler) is good to go and can have a full week of practice, he'll be our quarterback."
So why does Trestman continue to support Cutler over McCown? Is it based on contract alone? Cutler has missed five games this season. When he is active, he has completed 63 percent of his passes, throwing 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has also lost three fumbles. He has not played a full season with the Bears since entering the league. Being in his final year of his contract, logic says it is time to simply move on.
"The team knows who the starting quarterback is, and like I said before, I know my job as the backup," McCown said. "I want to play efficient football, winning football and keep us in contention while the starter is not healthy. As long as Jay is healthy and ready to go I don't think there's any question. I just want to do my part so we'll see what happens moving forward."
Cutler is expected to play against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. He has participated in limited practice and Trestman believes he will be good to go. What happens if Cutler struggles in his first game back?
McCown certainly is not the long-term answer for the Bears, but neither is Cutler. However, McCown has proven the Bears could extend the backup's contract, draft a rookie and cut the expensive contract Cutler expects to get. Team officials have already denied the idea of using the franchise tag. The situation will certainly play itself out in the final weeks of the season.