Here it is.
Jerry Angelo has made the phone call.
Add the Bears to the list of 10 teams that reportedly have inquired with the Denver Broncos about the availability of quarterback Jay Cutler.
Charles Robinson, a Chicago resident and NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports, reports that the Bears have, to borrow from Angelo, done their due diligence.
At some point in the process, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears also expressed interest in Cutler. The depth of that interest is unknown, but both teams are still thought to be in play if Cutler once again becomes available.
As one league source said Wednesday, “do you think only 10 teams have called?” The report is evidence the Bears are at least monitoring the situation which has captivated the league. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels went on NFL Network Monday to say Cutler is Denver’s quarterback. He spent an hour saying the same thing at the coaches’ media breakfast Tuesday in Dana Point, Calif., at the owners meetings.
The Bears, Detroit, Minnesota, the New York Jets, Tampa Bay, all teams reported to have interest, can covet Cutler all they want and it will not matter unless the Broncos attempt to trade him again. There is no question the price tag will be steep. There is also no question this story will not go away until Cutler has been shipped to a new home or Cutler and McDaniels find some way to form a bromance. The Broncos are the in the midst of installing a new offense and if the trigger man isn’t around, well, that makes it more challenging.
If a club trades for Cutler, it’s with the thinking in mind that he is a solution at the position for the next decade. He will turn 26 next month and has some attractive intangibles starting with a strong arm and some athletic ability in the pocket. What’s he worth? Only the market would dictate. Two first-round picks? There isn’t going to be a sure thing where the Bears select at No. 18 in the first round. Angelo has already admitted that. It’s likely there will be competition for Cutler if the Broncos put him in play.
Maybe the Bears will be in the mix.
