The Chicago Bears may consider a Jay Cutler trade this offseason with the Tennessee Titans, as reports have the Bears interested in drafting quarterback Marcus Mariota and to make that happen they likely would have to trade Cutler for the number two overall pick and this comes as teams like the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins and NY Jets are also reportedly interested in Mariota.
According to Bleacher Report, writer Jason Cole reports that the Bears are seriously interested in going after Mariota in the upcoming draft and they could look at trading Cutler to move up to drat the quarterback. Cole writes that "Mariota has gained more and more traction in Chicago" and that could lead to the team trading Cutler to the Titans to get the number two overall pick. With Jameis Winston expected to go at number one to the Buccaneers, the Titans hold the key to Mariota at number two.
Tennessee has a need at quarterback, but most reports have the team looking to trade the pick over selecting a quarterback. According to David Climer of the Tennesseean, the Titans are "unlikely" to use the pick on a quarterback and if they do make a selection, it likely will be defensive star Leonard Williams. Climer writes that the Chargers have emerged as a serious option and the Titans could consider a deal with San Diego for Philip Rivers if they want Mariota.
Pro Football Talk reports that the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, NY Jets, San Diego Chargers and Bears have all had interest in Mariota and those are the teams to watch in trades at the draft. The Browns have reportedly been looking at Sam Bradford and if they want Mariota, they have the firepower to trade up with two first round picks this year. The Bears have the number seven pick overall and that could be appealing to the Titans if they get that selection and Cutler.
Earlier in the offseason Cutler's future was up in the air following his benching in Week 16 for Jimmy Clausen, but new head coach John Fox said he would be the starter during offseason workouts. GM Ryan Pace said that the team was "moving forward" with Cutler, but according to Cole, the team still could consider a trade. Part of Cutler's 2016 salary is now guaranteed and while he has a big contract, the Titans have the cap space to deal with the hit this year if they go through with the deal.
While Cutler did not have a great season overall, he put up some of his best stats of his career and a move to Tennessee could be rejuvenating for him. The situation in Chicago with the press and fans can be toxic at times and the Titans have not had a star quarterback in what feels like a decade. The team may look at Cutler if the Bears are serious about Mariota.
The Bears also may consider a Matt Forte trade this offseason, as the RB is coming into the final year of his contract and will be 30 by the end of the season. Forte had a big year with over 1000 yards and 100 receptions in 2014.
