Chicago Bears: Teammates Could Make Jay Cutler Removal Difficult

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Rumors persist that Chicago Bears head coach John Fox is done with Jay Cutler as the starting quarterback. That 2016 is likely his final year.

Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune reported that multiple sources indicated the veteran coach told friends he was “done” with Cutler. This after a 6-10 season in 2015, followed by a poor start to 2016 that saw the quarterback struggle and then suffer injury. In his place Brian Hoyer got much more productivity out of the offense, at least from a yardage and efficiency perspective. Combined with a lack of turnovers, it became clear Fox was interested in a change.

That went out the window when Hoyer broke his arm in Green Bay.

Now there is no choice. If Fox wants any hope of winning he’ll have to put up with Cutler the rest of the year. The thing is though, it may not be that simple. Sure, the guaranteed money does run out in 2017. That would make it far easier for the Bears to cut the 33-year old. However, there is a rumbling beneath the surface that Jay in fact may have some allies in the locker room.

Prominent ones. Players who could influence the decision by the organization to make a change.

#Bears WR Alshon Jeffery on QB Jay Cutler's return to the lineup: "Jay's my guy. I'm excited."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 27, 2016

#Bears LB Pernell McPhee: "Brian played great, no disrespect, but it's like we got new life with 6 coming back."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 28, 2016

#Bears LB Pernell McPhee: "I think Brian did a great job when he was playing, but there's something about number 6."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 28, 2016

Alshon Jeffery and Pernell McPhee are not just some backup types being asked simple questions. They are two of the best players the Bears have. Leaders of the team in the locker room and on the field. When these guys speak up, it means something. So for them to voice their support for Cutler is a big deal. He has powerful allies who think the team can win with him under center.

This puts the Bears brass in a conundrum. Assuming they are thinking about a change, the last thing they want is a divide in the locker room. Jeffery will be a free agent in 2017. He may threaten to leave if his quarterback is taken away. Remember they’ve already done the same to other teammates and friends like Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett. From their perspective they removed players who were unwanted distraction. From his though it was shipping out guys who could help them win.

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Cutler has said he wishes to stay in Chicago if possible. He wants to see this thing through to a finish. Lately though it hasn’t looked like he had any leverage in the discussions. Not with his advancing age, erratic play and injury problems. It would seem things have changed. If the Bears are set on trying to move him out, the potential consequences could be greater than they had ever anticipated.

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