Bears should try to bring Cutler out of hibernation
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CHICAGO – My sixth sense tells me Jay Cutler will be traded within the next two weeks to give the Broncos ample time to evaluate their new draft options. It also tells me that the Bears and Jerry Angelo will make an aggressive push for Cutler that still might not be good enough.
And that this deal will have a bigger impact on the league than last season’s blockbuster trade of Brett Favre from the Packers to the Jets.
And because six seems to be the number on the minds of Bears fans this week here are ...
• Six teams likely ahead of the Bears for Cutler’s services:
Washington: Redskins owner Daniel Snyder cannot resist deals this big and he has a young quarterback to dangle in Jason Campbell.
Cleveland: New coach Eric Mangini isn’t sold on Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson and Quinn might be the bluest chip any team has to offer Denver.
New York: The Jets need a replacement for Brett Favre and likely would be willing to part with a defensive starter and two draft picks.
Detroit: The Lions have the No. 1 pick but do the Broncos really want to commit $35 million guaranteed to a rookie quarterback?
Carolina: If the Broncos want Julius Peppers for their 3-4 defense, the Panthers could make a play, even though they have started contract talks with Jake Delhomme.
Jacksonville: David Garrard was disappointing in ’08, so don’t be surprised if the Jaguars are one of several less-than-obvious teams to enter the bidding.
• Six Bears or club areas that would benefit most from Cutler:
Matt Forte: Respect for Cutler and the downfield passing threat would prevent teams from stacking the box.
Greg Olsen: The Bears’ best all-around receiver could ascend to one of the top NFL tight ends with a quarterback who keeps plays alive as well as Cutler.
Devin Hester: As well as Cutler throws the deep ball, he will put it where Hester can catch up to it.
Earl Bennett: Unknown and unproven wide receiver was Cutler’s favorite target in their one season together at Vanderbilt (2005).
Ron Turner: The offensive coordinator finally would get a chance to call plays for a quarterback he snubbed when Cutler wanted Illinois to recruit him.
Defensive line: An offense that instantly becomes more dangerous figures to get more early leads that will make rushing the passer a little easier.
• Six reasons the Broncos might be inclined to listen to the Bears:
1. The Bears can put together a package of draft picks and linebacker Brian Urlacher who, while not the same player he once was, would give a bad defense credibility and a Broncos fan base a big draw.
2. They could build a package around Devin Hester, who shouldn’t be untouchable when the stakes are a franchise quarterback.
3. They can offer up-and-coming young defensive talent such as defensive tackle Marcus Harrison or cornerback Corey Graham, who might appeal to a new coach building for the long haul.
4. They can throw in veterans such as cornerback Nathan Vasher or defensive end Israel Idonije who might interest a team looking for experienced depth.
5. They might find a creative way to get a third team near the top of the draft interested in a three-way deal that would allow the Broncos the chance to take either Matt Stafford or Mark Sanchez.
6. They are driven by desperation to fix the position that has been broken for generations.
