Chicago Bears Complete 2017 Mock Off-Season: Pincer Attack
By Erik Lambert
Trades
Jay Cutler to the Arizona Cardinals
It may have sounded far-fetched a couple months ago, but not anymore. Word is Carson Palmer is seriously contemplating retirement. If that’s the case, the Cardinals are in a difficult position. They have nobody else on the roster ready to take over at quarterback. They’re in an awkward position with the draft and free agency will be tough as well. Especially if Larry Fitzgerald leaves as well. They may have to get creative in finding a solution.
Since they found Palmer via a cheap trade from Oakland, what’s to stop them from trying that route again? Jay Cutler looks like he’s played his last snap in Chicago, but they still hold the rights to his contract through 2020. Compared to Palmer ($24 million), his is relatively cheap ($16 million). Arizona could get him for a 5th or 6th round pick at most while the Bears get an additional $14 million in cap relief. It’s a mutually beneficial move.