Calling the Bears’ quarterback controversy between starter Jay Cutler and Josh McCown “awkward,” Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall on Tuesday praised the deal given the former last week.
“For all of us it’s stability, it’s security,” Marshall said Tuesday morning on the NFL Network’s NFL AM show. “We get to move forward together.
“Whenever you have change, it always sets back the organization.
“But forget Jay Cutler: let’s talk about Phil Emery, the general manager. I love the way he works. How surprising is it that right after the season he has these deals done, three guys done?”
He praised the signings of guard Matt Slauson, cornerback Tim Jennings and Cutler.
“Everyone is wondering, ‘Franchise tag or let him walk?'” Marshall said “It’s pretty cool.”
He said McCown had “the hot hand” when he took over for Cutler, who suffered a torn left groin strain and then a high left ankle sprain.
“It was just the perfect storm for Josh,” Marshall said. “But Jay was having his best year ever statistically.
“Now, Jay will tell you and be the first one to say, ‘Yeah, there are some things I have to work on,’ but Jay Cutler, when you look at it, he was about to have a huge year before the injury.”
Marshall — who plans on next season being “my best year ever” — also praised the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ hiring of former Bears coach Lovie Smith.
“Awesome hire,” he said. “This is a guy that can come in and really get things done right away.
“The stability that he brings to an organization is unmatched, and I was able to see that my first year in Chicago.
“I wish I had more time under Lovie Smith but unfortunately the NFL stands for Not For Long, and ‘What have you done for me lately?’
“Coach Smith is in a good place and I believe he’ll have a lot of success down in Tampa.”
