Jay Cutler Could Be The Next Rich Gannon In the NFL

Jay Cutler no doubt thought his NFL career was over after being cut by the Chicago Bears, who desired going in a new direction.

It’s hard to fault them for that. After eight years, one playoff appearance and a 3-13 finish in 2016 it felt like the time was right for change. At 34-years old it seemed his time as a starter was over. Teams had little interest, knowing his gunslinger reputation on the field and surly nature off it. As time passed the writing was on the wall and he accepted a broadcasting job with FOX.

Then Ryan Tannehill buckled his knee in practice. ACL surgery looks unavoidable and the Miami Dolphins are left in a catastrophic pickle. Their head coach Adam Gase is forced into a decision. Does he go with veteran backup Matt Moore or does he roll the dice with Cutler whom he had some success with in 2015? The team chose the latter.

Can he have a late career resurgence?

Of course the lingering question now is what exactly does the future hold? Cutler’s new contract is for one year at $10 million with added incentives. However, some wonder if he might even become a long-term solution if he plays well enough. His connection with Gase is well-documented. Tannehill has a flexible contract they could escape from if necessary. Is it possible for Cutler to rescue his reputation with a late career run?

It’s not unprecedented. In many ways his story arc runs a similar path to former Pro Bowler Rich Gannon. Like Cutler, his early career was marred by inconsistent and misunderstandings. He’d have stretches of excellent play only to end up back on the bench for a time. It wasn’t until 1999 at the age of 34 that he signed with the Oakland Raiders and their young coach Jon Gruden that things too off.

Gannon went to four-straight Pro Bowls, won league MVP and got the Raiders to the Super Bowl in 2002. If he could do it, why can’t Cutler who is considerably more talented? This is a backstory worth monitoring for the next few months. It certainly would make for some compelling drama and add another layer to the complex career Cutler has built.