Jay Cutler has always seemed to struggle with the leadership role that comes with being an NFL quarterback. With that in mind, and given the current struggles withing the Chicago Bears organization, it’s not surprising to hear that he is reportedly lost the support of “most of” Chicago’s locker room.
Texted with two Bears players about Jay Cutler.
Oh my.
Main thing they said: most of locker room has given up on Cutler.— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) November 14, 2016
Really, it’s not hard to understand why. Cutler’s apparent apathy towards the NFL game has always been criticized. Heck, there’s even a Smokin’ Jay Cutler website that is completely dedicated to memes that highlight this.
The Bears made a terrible decision to give Cutler franchise quarterback money in 2014. He’s currently in the third year of a seven-year, $126.7 million deal.
Making things worse, Cutler’s on-field performance this year — 59.8 percent accuracy with three touchdowns and four interceptions in four games — is well below average in today’s NFL.
But it’s not really below average for Cutler.
A guy who averages more than an interception per game throughout his career, he’s long been performing well below his potential. This only further adds to the perception that he doesn’t care.
If Jay Cutler don't play I Don't Care!! #CHIvsDAL pic.twitter.com/WAgx2jEHEK
— Leo (@Leo_Ibanez) September 26, 2016
The Bears are currently a sinking ship with a record of 2-7. It’s not surprising whatsoever that players are pointing fingers. And Cutler is an easy target.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next. Cutler is almost certainly a goner. He’s even made it clear he’s okay with leaving, if that’s what happens. In the process, the Bears could also be parting ways with head coach John Fox, whose job is nowhere near secure.
At this point, the Bears could cut Cutler at the end of the season without a huge cap hit. That seems the likeliest scenario, because it’s hard to imagine any team would be willing to trade for Cutler unless he did a new deal with the prospective new team.
In the meantime, things will likely get worse before they get better for the storied franchise.