NFL Trade Machine: Cutler vs. Rivers To Titans

Aug. 24, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt (left) with quarterback Philip Rivers (17) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of different NFL trade scenarios have been thrown towards the Tennessee Titans in regards to their 2nd overall pick in the 2015.  The overlying thought of course is the idea of moving up for a shot at Marcus Mariota, who is expected to be available at that pick provided Tampa Bay does as expected by taking Jameis Winston.

There are the heavy pick routes such as the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints or Philadelphia Eagles.  However, the general belief is if the Titans do trade out at #2, then the team moving in would not only have to provide them some draft compensation but also some sort of serviceable answer for their own quarterback problems.

That is why the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers have made the most sense.  The Chargers have Philip Rivers while the Bears have Jay Cutler.  Both are experienced, accomplished starters in the NFL who fit the type of quarterback Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt prefers.  So the question is which deal would be more appealing.

Benefits and Drawbacks Of Rivers Trade

• Rivers and Whisenhunt worked together in San Diego
• Rivers is a five-time Pro Bowler and a winner

The plus side is obvious for Tennessee in that they would get one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of this recent era.  Still, there are some concerns.  Rivers is in the final year of his contract and there is no telling what his price will be for an extension.  He’s also going to be 34-years old this year and despite his toughness does have some injury concerns.  The idea of this deal would be the Titans intend to compete right away in 2015, but on a short and shrinking window.

Benefits and Drawbacks Of Cutler Trade

• Cutler is younger than Rivers (will be 32), is more mobile and has a bigger arm
• He has ties to Nashville from his days playing at Vanderbilt
• Dealing with Chicago keeps Tennessee in the top 10 at #7

The idea here is the Titans get a little bit of everything in the NFL trade.  They land a big-armed quarterback with experience in Cutler who knows the city well.  Also they are able to stick around at the 7th pick and still have a chance to land a blue chip player for their roster elsewhere.  Naturally there are concerns.  Cutler is prone to turning the ball over a lot and draws a lot of criticism for his lack of leadership.  On top of that, he carries a hefty contract that would demand considerable commitment from Tennessee.

The way things stand now, it looks like if the Titans do move, Rivers may be their guy.  Then again, a lot can happen over the next couple weeks.