Jay Cutler might not be departing the Chicago Bears in the near future (7 years) but if history has taught the team anything it is that the quarterback will likely not be around to play a full season. Cutler has only played a full 16 games three times in his nine year career. Last year he played just 11 games while the season before he missed one game. The quarterback gets injured more than most making a quality backup a necessity. Without one on the roster, could the Bears be targeting a trade for one?
The Bears survived on a breakout season from backup Josh McCown last season. The quarterback put up some of his best numbers in place of Cutler after the starter suffered an array of injuries. He tossed for 1,829 yards, 13 touchdowns and one interception with a 66.5 completion percentage in just eight games. That cause him to earn a nice free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a chance to start. Now the Bears are left searching for another solid backup considering there is little to no talent on the roster right now.
According to Chicago Bears beat writer Mike Flannery, the Bears could be interested in targeting a trade over getting someone in the draft. Flannery brings up the notion that the Bears could be looking at someone like Mike Glennon or Christian Ponder instead of drafting an unproven rookie. The Minnesota Vikings continue to seek a deal for Ponder after he was replaced and the Buccaneers have hinted at Glennon's availability as the team is also eyeing rookie quarterbacks in the draft.
The Bears have been linked to late-round quarterback options to sit behind Cutler and develop. Head coach Marc Trestman has been complimentary of players like AJ McCarron and Zach Mettenberger, realizing that both could be solid options down the road. However, with the worry that they might need to play at some point next season, Chicago is leaning towards a backup with starting experience already under their belts.
It is really unknown the price tag for either Glennon or Ponder. Glennon was a third-round pick and started Week 4 last season. He had success at the beginnings before struggling towards the end of the season. He was considered to have one of the best arms in his draft class leaving many to see big potential once he has developed. Ponder was a first-round pick, but his stock has dropped dramatically after two failed seasons in Minnesota.
The Bears could easily make a deal for either quarterback and focus on other needs in the draft. They would likely not have to give up anything higher than a third-round pick for either Ponder or Glennon. If they were already going to use that on a rookie, might as well get someone who already has NFL experience.