The Chicago Bears are in a difficult position with Jay Cutler and apparently have made it known that the quarterback is available in a trade.
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that teams know Cutler is available:
“Teams certainly know that Jay Cutler is available if they want him for the right price.” – @RapSheet on @ChicagoBears QB Jay Cutler
— NFL Media PR (@InsideNFLMedia) March 6, 2015
While the Bears might want to get rid of Cutler, the issue is will other teams be interested?
Cutler’s $15.5 million salary for the upcoming season is already guaranteed, but an issue for the Bears is that $10 million of his $16 salary becomes guaranteed if he is on the roster next week. Chicago’s new regime, including coach John Fox and GM Ryan Pace, would not commit to Cutler in public comments made last month at the scouting combine, indicating they are exploring all options.
The real problem is that the past regime signed Cutler to a seven-year, $126.7 million contract last year prior to his pedestrian 2014 season. Between injuries, sporadic play, and being benched for Jimmy Clausen last year, the Bears have little reason to be confident in Cutler entering this season.
