Jay Cutler Is Unhappy, Will 'Lay Low'

Jay Cutler recently found out that the Denver Broncos -- now under new management -- wanted to get in on the Matt Cassel shopping extravaganza (Cassel was apparently shopped to the Bucs, Lions and Chiefs) and allegedly tried to trade him.

And now, after saying he was done in Denver, Cutler is apparently rebuffing the team's attempts to have a sit-down/kiss-and-makeup session with the quarterback. Yes, there's drama. And yes, it's totally unnecessary.

"They want me to come in and talk to 'em but I'm not doing it right now; I'm going to lay low," said Cutler. "The [Broncos] deny everything. That's a problem. We know for a fact they tried to trade me."

Now, what I think Cutler is missing is my use of "allegedly" above. See, the Broncos, according to almost every report out there, were called by someone else about Cutler's availability. In other words, at no point was Josh McDaniels' regime shopping Cutler on the open market; more likely, teams recognized that McDaniels is, as a former Patriot, a fan of Cassel and thought they'd inquire about a swap.

And here's the other thing: if you've ever read Bill Simmons' annual "Trade Value Column," it's a highly unscientific list, and he puts way too much faith in his own ability to rank these guys, but the principle itself is a great idea. Essentially, Simmons does cost vs. benefit analysis on players that could be had via trade. With that in mind, where on the Earth does Cutler think he ranks? Because he's certainly not untradeable. And he should probably relax about the Broncos accepting calls relating to his availability.

On the other hand, though, Peter King reported this morning that he heard Sunday that Cutler asked for a trade "shortly after the Broncos lost offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates -- Cutler's confidant -- to USC after the season."

Now if that's true, Cutler really needs to check himself. Lest he do something silly like wreck himself; it's fully in Denver's rights to not only listen to trades but, you know, also see if anyone else is interested in their quarterback. And besides, Cutler's behavior isn't really justifying any excuse he has for not being available on the open market.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-02-2009 @ 10:35AM

ajinthematrix8 said...

wow...i actually agree with most of your points. Cutler really overreacted. I understand why he is pissed, but he really hasnt helped the situation by talking to the media instead of the broncos front office

3-02-2009 @ 10:55AM

D_Average said...

I'd be pissed too if I was considered equivalent with Cassel, there is no greater insult.

3-02-2009 @ 11:00AM

thaflyguyofnyc said...

I think Cutler staying in Denver will be a big mistake. Besides all of this non-sense, Cutler has to learn a new offense under a new head coach and has to do so knowing that he isn't the franchise quarterback he had hoped. That being said I think his best option is to demand for a trade. Teams who are interested are Detroit and Tampa Bay (the team who wanted him to begin with). I think this is the best chance the Jets have to persue a franchise quarterback. This years draft doesn't seem assuring in terms of getting a franchise quarterback. Kellen Clemens is a question mark and a big risk for a long term investment. Head coach Rex Ryan is still rebuilding team. So why not, Cutler to Jets seems like a great deal, and the Broncos can start fresh by receiving 2 draft picks from the Jets.

3-02-2009 @ 11:07AM

steveo said...

cutler seems like a huge tool

3-02-2009 @ 11:37AM

geraldr5 said...

Patriots made the best decision for Matt Cassel. After his performance last year, he deserved a good team, or at least one with upside potential. That certainly disqualifies the Lions, Bucs and Broncos. I look forward to seeing what Matt can do to help the KC franchise. Don't expect a Super Bowl his first year, but they've taken a huge step in the right directions!!!

3-02-2009 @ 12:42PM

nexxtlevell said...

Geez us Jay. Sit down, shut up and dare I say it DO YOUR JOB!! That way they won't THINK OF TRADING YA. I understand the Cassell thing was big but suck it up and prove to the team you are the better man and qb.

3-02-2009 @ 1:40PM

jacknleah18 said...

Denver needs to get rid of the idiot coach we acquired...he's a chip off the old Belichik (sp?) block. We DON'T WANT Denver to be another New England. We are Denver. We want to keep Cutler. And they'd BETTER start kissing his A*@ so we can keep him. McDaniels is turning out to be the WORST possible choice to coach our team. BOOOOOOOOO to him!!! Fire McDaniels, keep Cutler!!

3-02-2009 @ 2:47PM

ettev6791 said...

I met a bunch of Cutler's O-Linemen from college on a spring break trip and they said he was a complete dick. So yeah he would react like this.

3-02-2009 @ 5:04PM

PacoGerte said...

If Cutler being unhappy is news, than this story should be run every day.
He's a good quarterback, but he's not helping himself much here.

3-02-2009 @ 5:06PM

Raoul said...

Cutler is upset.
In other news:
Water is wet, grass is green, and Rosie O'Donnel is fat.

3-02-2009 @ 8:43PM

osnappleme said...

Cutler is a punk !!!! WHy do all these people think is a "gunslinger"? What was Denver's record this year?

3-03-2009 @ 12:44PM

TOM MINEHART said...

no then both of there qbs would suck

3-02-2009 @ 8:46PM

Martin said...

Maybe Cutler could be traded to San Diego as a back up for Rivers. Now there would be drama.

3-02-2009 @ 11:19PM

JFCJR said...

McDaniels is an asshole. He really is showing his immaturity in the coaching profession. None of Belichek's boys have proved they are worth a shit. All he is doing is moving NE to Denver. Denver needs a defense. They can't stop anybody. Cassell isn't qualified to shine Cutler's shoes. If Cutler goes, this 40+ year Bronco fan will be pulling for Denver to loose very game.......