Jay Cutler Trade Value Will Never Be Higher For Bears
By Erik Lambert
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Vikings won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
At 2-5 the writing is pretty much on the wall for the Chicago Bears. Despite the efforts of an improved coaching staff, the obvious talent deficiencies on the roster are presented each week, as they were again in another late 23-20 collapse against the Minnesota Vikings. The lone bright spot of the day, once again was quarterback Jay Cutler.
Together with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery he was able to overcome a makeshift offensive line and limited ground game to keep the Bears in the contest with a chance to win late before the defense gave it away. It’s further proof that the criticism levied against him is overblown. Yes, he’s not perfect and makes questionable decisions at times. Regardless Cutler is probably the sole reason this team even has two wins at all.
Jay Cutler's improved play is overshadowed by listless Bears https://t.co/ZftgRyN2EU
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) November 2, 2015
Something else to note is that several other teams have to be noticing this as well. Cutler, at age 32, has plenty of value. Is he elite? No. However, he’s better than two thirds of the other quarterbacks in the NFL and could be a huge addition to a team that has a good roster in place. That alone makes him a valuable trade asset, and his improved play of late should only increase it.
Given the unlikeliness of a turnaround and trade deadline at hand, GM Ryan Pace may never find a better opportunity to deal the veteran quarterback than right now. Several teams around the league face crisis moments at the position including the Jets, Texans and Redskins. If the math can be worked out in terms of his hefty salary cap hit ($16.5 million) then there is no reason the Bears can’t get a good return for him.
Next: How John Fox Impacts The Bears' 2016 Quarterback Search
That would then free Pace to do what most felt he wanted to from the beginning: start the franchise fresh in a new direction with a quarterback of his choosing. Given the possible high number of options that could be available in the 2016 draft, this scenario is certainly something that must be watched carefully.
Will it happen? Given the sheer logistics, it isn’t likely but then again a lot of unexpected deals have already happen in 2015. What’s one more?