Jay Cutler was shocked. Jimmy Clausen was shocked. It appeared no one in the Chicago Bears organization saw the benching of the franchise quarterback coming as head coach Marc Trestman announced earlier in the week that Cutler was take a seat and Clausen would get the nod in Week 16. Cutler has not looked good all season, leading the league in interceptions and turnovers, and so the Bears made a move. Now Cutler is admitting he has thought about his tenure in Chicago being over.
Speculation continues to rise over the future of Cutler in Chicago. The quarterback is currently the highest -paid offensive player in the league who is owed $22.5 million this season and $15.5 million in guaranteed money next year along with another $10 million in guaranteed money coming in 2016.That is not exactly easy money to get rid of, but a number of NFL sources believe a trade for Cutler will at least be explored by the Bears in the offseason. Cutler said via ESPN.com that "it definitely crossed my mind" that he has played his final game as the Bears' starting quarterback.
"You sign a seven-year deal, and you think you're going to be here for a while," Cutler said. "I'm still hopeful that's going to ring true, that we'll have another shot at this. But after this last game, a lot could happen. I think everyone would. It's a natural response to wonder that. Whatever happens at the point between after the season in March, or whenever they make decisions, we'll cross that when we get there. I would like to stay here. I really like it here. I love the guys in the locker room I get to play with. Clearly, [there's a] different circumstance now. But going forward, this is where I'd like to be."
The chances the Bears are able to sign Cutler are very slim unless they really lower their expectations about what they can get in return. The quarterback is simply not worth that much with a salary of that size attached to his name. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans are certainly an option after they showed interest last season. The Buffalo Bills need quarterback help. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could seek a Lovie Smith, Cutler reunion. There are certainly options.
The Bears might still have strong faith in Cutler and try to keep him around for at least one more season. The person that might get the short end of the stick is Trestman who according to the Chicago Tribune is not likely returning next season. The Bears might see that as the easier move to make and hope a new coach can pull a better player out of Cutler.
