GM: Bears will continue to build around Jay Cutler

The Bears will continue to build around Jay Cutler, GM Ryan Pace said Monday, though he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of drafting a quarterback to back him up, either.

“I think Jay knows that we have extreme confidence in him,” Pace said at Halas Hall. “We’re going to continue to build the offense around him; I think he knows that. I think he also knows that, ‘Hey, we’re always going to draft best player available, too, and acquire as much talent as we can.’ We’ve been very open and honest with all our players.”

Pace said the Bears will draft the best player they can.

“So if it’s a quarterback, it’s a quarterback,” he said. “I’ve said before how important that position is and that will continue to be the case.”

Cutler had perhaps the best season of his career, passing for 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games. His 92.3 passer rating was the highest of his career.

“We have a ton of confidence in him,” Pace said. “Guys, he played well this year. I think you guys saw that he did. Turnovers were down. He was athletic and extended plays with his feet. He did a lot with a lot of injuries to our skill positions.”

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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com