The quarterback drama in Chicago is only getting worse by the day. After Jay Cutler put forth yet another disappointing performance on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints, the Bears sit at 5-9 eliminated from the playoffs and now have several decisions to make regarding the future. As Cutler's future continues to be put into doubt, the Bears are not helping by benching him for Week 16.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears will bench Cutler in favor of backup Jimmy Clausen against the Detroit Lions. This could simply be the beginning of the end for Cutler as the Chicago Tribune has reported talks of a trade have been floating around the team since the quarterback has 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers this season. Against the Saints he was sacked seven times while tossing three interceptions.
"I haven't been able [to get the best from Cutler] and we haven't been able to do the things that we want to get done," Trestman said, via ESPNChicago.com. "We're working towards that. But the answer to that is obvious. I'm trying to give you the most truthful answer and that is, we've seen moments of it, but it's not where we need to go. It's not where we need to be. But it's not all about Jay. It's about our entire offense, working together to get it done."
So now the question of Cutler's future with the team comes into play. The Bears took a risk when they signed the quarterback to a seven-year contract. He has $15.5 million in guaranteed money owed to him next year. However, a trade of the quarterback would clear $11.5 million in cap space, getting the team off the hook of the money owed to Cutler. Currently the highest paid offensive player in the NFL with an annual salary of $22.5 million, getting a deal for Cutler is easier said than done.
Of course there might be teams interested in the quarterback, but potentially not at the asking price of the Bears. According to NFL.com, the St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all need quarterback help in 2015 and all could play into getting Cutler. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Titans had interest in Cutler last year before the quarterback inked the deal. They opted to draft Zach Mettenberger instead. The Buccaneers have Cutler's former coach in Lovie Smith. There are options, but no one will give up a high draft pick to acquire that much salary unless the Bears can sweeten the deal.
Both Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall have tried to downplay the issues facing the team saying they will roll with the punches and focus on improving. Next season could look very different for Chicago. Reports surfaced Wednesday that Marc Trestman could be out as head coach. Cutler could be gone. The Bears will be a different team.
