NFL Trade Machine: Big Finale Could Help Jay Cutler

Local Chicago Bears media experts believe there is no benefit to them starting quarterback Jay Cutler in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings.  In fact they warn it’s an impending disaster.  Either the Bears actually win the game, which does nothing for them and actually hurts their position in the NFL draft.  Or they play him and put him at risk of getting hurt against a solid Vikings defense.

However, contrary to their thought process, there is a third option.

What if Cutler played well and the Bears still lost?  Think about it.  Chicago is able to keep its high draft selection and at the same time a positive finish by Cutler, who has little to play for would do the team a huge favor when the trade talk begins to intensify next spring.  Keep this in mind.  Despite a myriad of problems with the head coaching staff, injuries up front and to his wide receivers, Cutler has a chance to finish an ugly 2014 with one of the best statistical season in franchise history.

• With two more touchdown passes he could become the first Bears quarterback to reach the 30 mark.
• With 360 passing yards he could become the first Bears quarterback to reach 4,000.  As it stands he’s 199 away from snapping the current franchise mark of 3,838 set by Erik Kramer in 1995.

Yes, the turnovers have been a problem (24 in 14 games) but those are easier to overlook when teams see that a quarterback is still able to play with some level of productivity during a lost season and having no faith in his head coach or offensive coordinator.  His contract remains a major obstacle, but if Jay Cutler can finish strong in Minnesota, he could end up providing the necessary momentum for the Chicago Bears to facilitate a trade.