The Chicago Bears signed Jay Cutler to a very long-term commitment hoping that he truly was the franchise quarterback for the team. However, Cutler repaid the team by struggling once again in 2014 as the Bears put up another disappointing season. That has led to a swarm of rumors regarding a trade for Cutler, ones that has essentially gone unnoticed by other teams. Now, the Bears have no choice but to continue their commitment with the quarterback.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Bears "fully expect" Cutler to be with the team in 2015. Team sources stressed that there is absolutely no truth to the rumors that Cutler was being shopped around prior to free agency beginning and Chicago is still very committed to his potential as the leader of the team. The Bears were forced to make a commitment on Cutler one way or another by Tuesday at 4 p.m. when the $15.5 million owed in 2015 and the $10 million in 2016 become guaranteed. After 2016, Cutler has no guaranteed money left in his contract.
Those contract terms paired with low stats are what turned teams away from a potential trade in the first place. Cutler has been on the blocks for the better part of the year, but spotty performance has led to his reputation taking a hit. With a new coaching staff and front office regime in place, Cutler's future was up in the air, but the Bears appear confident he is capable of more.
The return of Cutler likely will not stop the Bears from eyeing other options at quarterback. They re-signed Jimmy Clausen to an extension to return as backup. The Bears had been linked to trades for both Colin Kaepernick and Nick Foles, but those have been denied. The Chicago Tribune believes that Marcus Mariota is a very real option for the Bears at the No. 7 draft pick.
The Bears could easily make a move on the former Oregon quarterback. Right now, Mariota is slated to be drafted at No. 6 by the New York Jets or the Philadelphia Eagles pending a draft trade. However, the Bears sit just one spot below and would not have to give up as much to acquire the quarterback. Would the Bears use their first pick on Mariota? They have several holes to fill including the wide receiver position and defensive issues, but if Mariota were to fall in their lap it is hard to see Chicago passing up on him.