Jay Cutler will likely get one more shot at redemption. A lot has been made about the future of the Chicago Bears quarterback after he was benched in favor of backup Jimmy Clausen. Most assume the team will attempt to trade the veteran in the offseason after another dismal season where Chicago was eliminated from postseason contention. However, Cutler will get one more shot to prove himself worthy of the Bears' time as they evaluate his future as the face of the franchise.
According to head coach Marc Trestman, Cutler will start the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Clausen suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of the team's loss to the Detroit Lions after being hit in the head and so by default, Cutler gets the nod in Week 17.
"Jay gives us the best chance to win," Trestman said, via ESPN.com. "Jay is our best option. Jay gives us the best chance this week. So that's why he'll be out there. Jay said 'I'll be ready to go.' He empathizes with what Jimmy had gone through last night. He's ready to go. He'll be in this afternoon to get started."
Can one good start save Cutler's tenure with Chicago? The quarterback is currently the highest-paid offensive player in the league this season as he sits on a seven-year contract that pays him $22.5 million this season with $16 million in guaranteed money remaining on the deal. For that reason, CBSSports.com writer Jason LaCanfora reports the Bears are not expected to trade Cutler in the offseason. There are very few teams that will be willing to take on a deal like that as most hope the Bears grow desperate enough and simply release the quarterback. That will not happen either.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans are one of the teams that might just be willing to make a deal for the quarterback. According to Rapoport, the Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt has already started doing his research on Cutler considering his Tennessee history playing at Vanderbilt. The Titans have had bad luck with quarterbacks this season as both Jake Locker and Zach Mettenberger failed to get the job done. Cutler would be welcomed, but at the price.
The New York Jets are certainly another option. The team is still putting Geno Smith on the field despite his struggles and Michael Vick is not looking to return to New York. The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans will also be looking for a move. Cutler comes with a lot of baggage in the form of guaranteed money, so any team willing to make a trade must be willing to take on the heavy contract as well.
