The Chicago Bears are financially committed to Jay Cutler for the next two seasons. After the franchise opted not to trade the quarterback before the start of the new season, his 2016 salary became fully guaranteed. However, that commitment does not mean the Bears are not feeling out potential trade deals prior to the 2015 NFL Draft and the Tennessee Titans have emerged as an option for help.
According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, the Bears are eyeing a trade up to the No. 2 spot by offering Cutler as part of the package. Right now, must assume the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are staying put at the No. 1 spot and drafting Jameis Winston. That means the race is on to select former Oregon star Mariota who could go as high as No. 2. That would mean any team looking to acquire the star will need to find a way to jump up the boards quickly.
Cole reports that the Bears organization feels Mariota could be the star of the future for the franchise as they continue to get linked to the quarterback more and more. The issue is whether or not the Titans want Cutler as part of a trade. Cutler did play his college football in Tennessee, but his high-paying contract and diminishing stats make him extremely undesirable. The Titans have Zach Mettenberger, but could potentially add Cutler to the mix if they opt to decline selecting Mariota.
The Bears might be committed to Cutler's salary, but they are certainly not committed to him as a starting quarterback. Head coach John Fox told the media that the veteran will enter offseason workouts at the top of the depth chart, but he will be competing with Jimmy Clausen. No one expects Clausen to beat out Cutler, but Mariota could if added to the roster. Chicago likely does not want to wager all of their draft picks to move up from No. 7 to get the quarterback which is prompting them to through Cutler in on the offer. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has stated he prefers a veteran starter which had the team linked to Philip Rivers, but Cutler could do as well.
Earlier in the offseason, Chicago denied the idea that Cutler was on the chopping block. However, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that there was lingering doubt in Cutler, forcing the franchise to meet with the quarterback in order to gauge where his head was at. According to reports, the Bears left that meeting confident Cutler could improve, which prompted them to keep the quarterback on the roster. However, if the chance to deal Cutler for someone like Mariota were to present itself, the Bears could jump at the opportunity.