Jay Cutler may end up being forced into retirement due to a lack of interest from NFL teams, but that does not mean the 34-year-old quarterback is planning to sit around in his sweatpants all day.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that Cutler is exploring the possibility of joining a television network in a broadcasting role. Cutler and his representatives have spoken to multiple networks, and Cutler has reportedly had an audition with at least one of them.
Cutler’s agent, Bus Cook, reiterated on Thursday that his client wants to continue his playing career “if the right offer comes along.” Cook did not, however, confirm whether or not Cutler is interested in a TV role.
“You’d have to talk to Jay about that,” the agent said. “Any football player would be smart to explore his options in case he doesn’t play anymore. But Jay is as talented as any quarterback out there right now.”
In all likelihood, Cutler would have to accept a backup role if he wants to play in 2017. He has only been linked to the New York Jets and Houston Texans this offseason, and the former signed veteran Josh McCown while the latter traded up in the NFL Draft to select Deshaun Watson.
Cutler doesn’t have nearly the start power that Tony Romo has, so a transition into broadcasting from him would be met with a bit more skepticism. There have been plenty of questions raised about Cutler’s character during his career (including one recently from a former teammate), but he’s certainly polarizing if nothing else.
