The Bears are releasing quarterback Jay Cutler, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Cutler asked for and was granted his release on Thursday morning. He is now a free agent and free to sign with any team. The Bears have since confirmed the move via press release.
Cutler’s release has been anticipated for some time now and it more or less solidified by the Bears’ free agent deal with Mike Glennon. Because Cutler was the one to ask for his deal to be terminated, it’s possible that the Bears asked him to serve as Glennon’s No. 2 quarterback. Cutler, who has been a longtime starter, presumably would have rejected such a proposal.
Right now, Cutler has to be considered one of the best free agent quarterback options out there along with Tony Romo. Cutler didn’t have such a hot 2016, but he is a starter with experience and teams in need of a short-term option under center will have interest. The Jets are already interested in Cutler, according to Schefter (Twitter link), and New York could conceivably add Cutler as something of a bridge quarterback while developing a younger option.
Cutler, 33, spent most of the 2016 campaign sidelined by injuries, and wasn’t effective when he was on the field. In five starts, Cutler tossed four touchdowns against five interceptions, and posted a Total Quarterback Rating of just 33.1. He’s been loosely to linked to a couple of clubs this offseason, but no team has expressed any known solid interest.
The Bears reportedly tried to trade Cutler earlier this year, but were rebuffed. Meanwhile, Cutler has apparently tossed out the idea of retirement, although that could simply be a negotiating ploy.
Good. Now they can finally get on with the rebuild project. With Cutler at QB, their rebuild has been pointless. Grab a QB in the 2nd round and roll with him.
John Fox has to be elated with the prospect of coaching a 4-12 team for the foreseeable future.
Cutler stinks, the Bears should have waived him three years ago.
You mean just this year. He has another losing season, he’s gone.
They should’ve released him instead of giving him that extension several years ago. They could’ve drafted and developed a young QB with McCown as the bridge between then and now.
Definitely shows the theory that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That guy is nothing but a backup quality QB.
If that. Cutler honestly looks done
There is no way, in any universe, that the Bears asked him to be a backup. A $16 million backup? When Glennon would be making less? Not a chance. Just a ridiculous statement
Agree
Go get Romo, Cousins and Cutler, Texans. Mortgage your future for a QB completion for the ages.
Finally, I feel like Glennon is a little overplayed but if he works good scheme. Honestly as a Bears and Patriots fan I am excited about this year as a Bears fan they are looking really good with a lot of good pickups and drops (Jay Cutler)