Cutting Ties With Cutler?
It looks as though the Broncos are actively trying to trade QB Jay Cutler now. Owner Pat Bowlen announced on Tuesday that the Broncos would, "begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded." I am quite surprised that it actually came down to this, but I now realize why.
Pat Bowlen made the decision to hire Head Coach Josh McDaniels, and thus, he had to stand behind the man he hired. If Bowlen actively supported Cutler, he would have undermined McDaniels and showed that he doubted his decision to hire him. Cutler was essentially Shanahan's hire, and thus Bowlen is less inclined to back him. I am not saying this was the right decision, but basically the safe one for Bowlen. I still think he handled the situation extremely poorly, as I mentioned in my previous post.
I also don't agree with Bowlen's announcing that Cutler is on the trading block. He has in effect shown his hand and let the league know that the Broncos have to get rid of him. Bowlen won't be able to get as much value for him, as he would have if teams thought the Broncos still might keep him. Bowlen must now hope for a bidding war to get full value for Cutler (which they could have done previously).
It is not a big surprise to see so many teams reportedly interested in obtaining Cutler's services. Looking at the list of teams, I can see quite a few that would be attractive to Cutler, although he will have very little control over where he ends up. Here is a list of several teams that are supposedly interested in Cutler.
Detroit - Their QB situation is about as hopeless as last year's defeated team. Still, Calvin Johnson would be a great target for Cutler (and they share the same agent). Also, the Lions have changed their stance and now are open to trading the first pick in the draft for Cutler, although, that carries a huge salary that the Broncos may not want to take on.
Tampa Bay - Tampa was one of the original teams involved in a Cutler - Cassel - (insert team commodity) three way. Tampa desperately needs a QB, however, they do not have as much to offer as other teams.
Minnesota - This would seem to be one of the most likely places for Cutler to end up. The Vikings have NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson, a solid offensive line, and a tough rushing defense. The weakest link on their playoff team last year was the QB position. The Vikings have reportedly said that they are happy with Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, but I find that hard to believe.
Washington - The Redskins weren't looking for QB during the off season, but with the latest news regarding Cutler, they have now entered the picture. With an owner like Dan Snyder, you can never count out the Redskins when a high profile free agent is available. Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Chris Cooley would be a decent group of skill players to join with Cutler.
Chicago - I can't remember the Bears having a decent QB in the last thirty years, other than maybe Jim McMahon, so it makes sense that they would be interested. The Bears don't have as much to offer as some other teams, so they will also have to be creative in putting together a package that would be attractive to the Broncos.
Several other teams, including San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Tennessee have also been floated around as possible destinations for Cutler. I still find myself wondering why the Broncos are so eager to get rid of a player that so many other teams want. I know he pouts on the sidelines when the game is going poorly, but I always took that as a sign of competitiveness. Maybe there are more behind the scene (locker room) issues than I realize.
Pat Bowlen made the decision to hire Head Coach Josh McDaniels, and thus, he had to stand behind the man he hired. If Bowlen actively supported Cutler, he would have undermined McDaniels and showed that he doubted his decision to hire him. Cutler was essentially Shanahan's hire, and thus Bowlen is less inclined to back him. I am not saying this was the right decision, but basically the safe one for Bowlen. I still think he handled the situation extremely poorly, as I mentioned in my previous post.
I also don't agree with Bowlen's announcing that Cutler is on the trading block. He has in effect shown his hand and let the league know that the Broncos have to get rid of him. Bowlen won't be able to get as much value for him, as he would have if teams thought the Broncos still might keep him. Bowlen must now hope for a bidding war to get full value for Cutler (which they could have done previously).
It is not a big surprise to see so many teams reportedly interested in obtaining Cutler's services. Looking at the list of teams, I can see quite a few that would be attractive to Cutler, although he will have very little control over where he ends up. Here is a list of several teams that are supposedly interested in Cutler.
Detroit - Their QB situation is about as hopeless as last year's defeated team. Still, Calvin Johnson would be a great target for Cutler (and they share the same agent). Also, the Lions have changed their stance and now are open to trading the first pick in the draft for Cutler, although, that carries a huge salary that the Broncos may not want to take on.
Tampa Bay - Tampa was one of the original teams involved in a Cutler - Cassel - (insert team commodity) three way. Tampa desperately needs a QB, however, they do not have as much to offer as other teams.
Minnesota - This would seem to be one of the most likely places for Cutler to end up. The Vikings have NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson, a solid offensive line, and a tough rushing defense. The weakest link on their playoff team last year was the QB position. The Vikings have reportedly said that they are happy with Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, but I find that hard to believe.
Washington - The Redskins weren't looking for QB during the off season, but with the latest news regarding Cutler, they have now entered the picture. With an owner like Dan Snyder, you can never count out the Redskins when a high profile free agent is available. Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Chris Cooley would be a decent group of skill players to join with Cutler.
Chicago - I can't remember the Bears having a decent QB in the last thirty years, other than maybe Jim McMahon, so it makes sense that they would be interested. The Bears don't have as much to offer as some other teams, so they will also have to be creative in putting together a package that would be attractive to the Broncos.
Cleveland - New coach Eric Mangini has no vested interest in Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, and is holding an open competition between them. There has been talk of a direct deal involving Quinn and defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers or a three team deal that might send Derek Anderson and draft picks to the Broncos. Braylon Edwards name has also been tossed around in trade rumors. Cleveland seemingly has more to offer to the Broncos than other teams, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they were involved in a Cutler trade.
New York Jets - The Brett Favre era was short lived in New York, and QB is now one of their weakest areas. The Jets have let it be known that they are interested in trading for Cutler. Also, Cutler's agent was also Favre's agent.
Several other teams, including San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Tennessee have also been floated around as possible destinations for Cutler. I still find myself wondering why the Broncos are so eager to get rid of a player that so many other teams want. I know he pouts on the sidelines when the game is going poorly, but I always took that as a sign of competitiveness. Maybe there are more behind the scene (locker room) issues than I realize.
posted by Me @ 12:08 PM
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