The Chicago Bears have had a very tough 2014 season and while Jay Cutler is signed as the franchise quarterback, the team could make a drastic move and trade Cutler to a team like the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Redskins, as those clubs have major quarterback issues moving forward and could target the Chicago starter.
Cutler is signed to a major deal after agreeing to a new contract in the offseason, but after the way the Bears have played some think that the team could consider making a trade. Mike Greenberg on ESPN Radio spoke about the possibility of a trade going down, adding that the Redskins could be a fit even if the team doesn't offer RG3 as compensation. The Texans, Eagles, Raiders and Redskins all have significant questions at QB and if one of those teams steps up, the Bears could look at making a move.
Greenberg added that while Cutler is considered a top level quarterback by the Bears, the team could look at making a move at the position and then drafting someone in 2015 to take over. Greenberg also added that the Redskins once were the frontrunners for a Cutler deal before he was moved to the Bears and that could be a factor if he ends up on the trading block after the season.
Cutler is a top taken, but over the years many have wondered if he will ever reach his full potential and now that is becoming a serious question in Chicago. According to NFL.com and Pro Football Talk, the Bears considered benching Cutler against the Buccaneers in Week 12 and there are other reports that the team regrets signing Cutler to a big new contract. The team signed Cutler in the offseason to a seven-year, $126.7 million contract that kept him off the free agent market and now they could have some buyers remorse.
This season Cutler has put up solid numbers with 3446 yards and a 66 percent completion rate along with 26 touchdowns, but he has 15 picks and the biggest number is five, which is how many wins the Bears have this season. Trading Cutler would be very tough since the Bears have so much money left on his deal, while releasing him doesn't make much sense either since the team would have to eat nearly $20 million in salary if it's done before 2016. Cutler also has injury issues and over the past four seasons in Chicago he has missed at least one game, including five last season and six in 2011.
Cutler and the Bears came in expecting to contend for the NFC North division title this season and that has not happened despite improvements in the offseason. The defense has been a major issue, as they allowed 50 points in back to back weeks this season, but so has the overall play of Cutler and the offense. The Bears finish the season with the Saints and Lions before playing against the Vikings and while benching Cutler for Jimmy Clausen now is unlikely, there is a chance the team could make a move in the offseason. The Texans, Raiders and Redskins all could have major QB issues heading into 2015.
