NFL Trade Machine: Jay Cutler To The Titans

There is little question the Chicago Bears would love to cut their ties with Jay Cutler as cleanly as possible.  The best way to do that is via trade, and not the way a lot of rumors have insisted recently with them giving up a draft pick to do it.  However, there is a running theory that continues to gain traction.

That involves the Tennessee Titans.  At present the team is in line to select 1st overall in the coming NFL draft, which would permit them to select a quarterback of their choice such as Heisman winner Marcus Mariota.  However, their head coach Ken Whisenhunt is notorious for not liking young quarterbacks, preferring to go with experienced veterans who have some size and a good arm to utilize his offense.  That philosophy was validated yet again after Whisenhunt failed to get his team going with young guns Jake Locker and Zach Mettenberger.

Ian Rapoport appeared on NFL Network Sunday morning of Week 16 to talk about the Cutler situation and he claims the Titans have already begun to “do their homework” on Jay Cutler.  It is a good fit from a simple perspective.  Cutler built a great legacy in Nashville as a star quarterback at Vanderbilt.  He still has a home down there and loves the people.  Tennessee was interested in him prior to free agency last off-season but the Bears short-circuited that when they signed him to a long-term deal.

The key part that makes the Titans a great option for trading is that they have the money available to absord that contract.  Cutler will command $16.5 million in salary cap space next year.  Tennessee could have over $31 million available when the off-season begins, with the ability to make even more based on possible roster cuts to come.

So if there was one team out there that is the beacon of hope for Chicago Bears fans to finally be rid of Cutler, it’s the Tennessee Titans.