Miami Dolphins bring QB Jay Cutler out of retirement
Jay Cutler gets one last shot to be a starting quarterback in the NFL
Jay Cutler has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, luring him out of the broadcast booth.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the one-year deal pays Cutler $10 million, plus $3 millino in incentives. Schefter also reports that the New York Jets made a storng puch for Cutler early in the offseason.
Cutler’s signing comes about with Dolphins starter Ryan Tannehill re-injuring his knee after an offseason of rehab and stem cell treatment. Tannehill is likely to have surgery to repair an ACL that was partially torn in December against Arizona.
Miami head coach Adam Gase is one of the big selling points for Cutler, as is the chance to take over a playoff team. Gase, however, is the key after leading Cutler to one of his best seasons as the Bears offensive coordinator in 2015. Cutler’s 11 interceptions in 2015 were the lowest in a season starting at least 15 games.
Unable to find a home heading into spring practice Cutler agreed to a contract with Fox Sports to be a color analyst for the upcoming season. When asked if he was officially retired, Cutler held back on using the word, while also saying the move would be “permanent.”
"“I don’t know if retirement is the right word; I don’t feel that anyone ever really retires from the NFL. You are either forced to leave, or you lose the desire to do what’s required to keep going. I’m in between those situations at this point in my life.”"
Cutler will start over returning backup Matt Moore, who didn’t start a game from 2012-late 2016. He joins a quarterback room with seventh-round pick Brandon Doughty and former Bears backup David Fales.
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Miami’s talent gives Cutler an opportunity to produce if healthy and in football shape. Starting wide receivers Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, and Kenny Stills provide the best core Cutler has played with since Alshon Jeffrey and Brandon Marshall in Chicago.
Running back Jay Ajayi can also take pressure off Cutler when necessary, and veteran tight end Julius Thomas is a reliable connection.
One of Chicago’s biggest issues was protecting Cutler, mainly because of a lack of strength from their offensive tackles. Emerging star Laremy Tunsil will be protecting Cutler’s blindside, giving him time to make the necessary throws.
Cutler will not have the opportunity to play the Bears this year, but will see the Broncos come into Miami on December 3.
Tannehill’s injury summoned questions regarding former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who remains unsigned only a couple of years removed from a Super Bowl appearance.
Kaepernick’s political stances during the National Anthem last season has soured his reputation among some in the NFL, as have health and the lack of productivity on the field.
Aside from the connection between Gase and Cutler, Kaepernick generally doesn’t fit the type of scheme Gase is looking to run in Miami. Kaepernick’s stances have little, if nothing, to do with Cutler being signed over him.