Jay Cutler put together a career-best season for the Chicago Bears and should be safe as the team’s quarterback, but the franchise must start thinking about the future under center.
According to David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune, Cutler said he understands why the Bears might target his replacement in the upcoming draft.
“I would say I get it, I totally get it. At some point it’s going to happen. They’re going to get somebody else. I’m not going to play until I’m 43. I understand that.”
The Bears, who have the No. 11 overall pick, might be swayed to select a quarterback if either Paxton Lynch or Jared Goff is still available.
However, the competitor in Cutler wants an immediate-impact piece.
“But on the flip side, I’d be like, we really could have gotten somebody who can help me right now. So that would be my two reactions. If they do it, I will help whoever they bring in as much as I could and kind of see how it unfolds.”
First off, Cutler’s comments are completely reasonable. He wants long-term success for the organization but doesn’t want that to come at the expense of his own future. Why anyone would argue that is confusing.
Chicago could follow what most every successful team of this millennium has done.
The New England Patriots grabbed Tom Brady when Drew Bledose was under center. The New York Giants and San Diego Chargers executed a draft-day trade for Eli Manning and Philip Rivers while Kurt Warner and Drew Brees were still around. The Green Bay Packers snagged Aaron Rodgers to sit behind Brett Favre.
Now, the Bears do have a slight advantage in that they could accomplish both things in two ways, depending on your outlook.
Wide receiver Kevin White, a first-round pick in 2015, missed the entire season due to an injury. He should be healthy next year, so he’s the immediate-impact piece Cutler wants. Drafting a quarterback would be a luxury.
On the other hand, Chicago could take an offensive lineman or bolster its defense in Round 1, then pick up a developmental prospect like Connor Cook, Carson Wentz or Christian Hackenberg during the second round.
The Bears have a handful of good options heading into the 2016 draft. Cutler might not be particularly thrilled about one, but every route seems to help Chicago and its future.