Lions Should Do Whatever It Takes to Pry Cutler From Denver

Maybe drafting Matthew Stafford would be a total success for Detroit. Maybe it would be an unmitigated disaster. There's just no way to know for sure how things will work out. It's a total crapshoot -- so the Lions should put the dice down, pick their money up and cash in whatever chips they hold in exchange for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.

Obviously, the biggest chip that the Lions hold is the No. 1 overall pick. When the first mention of a Cutler-to-Detroit deal came along, the thinking was that Denver would not want that top pick because of the potential cost involved. The Lions also have the No. 20, No. 33, No. 65 and No. 82 selections, all of which fall within the first three rounds. If No. 1 is too costly for Denver, I'm sure Detroit wouldn't mind swinging, say, the 20th and 33rd picks out west for the young gunslinger.

At least, the Lions shouldn't mind. Heck, if the Broncos pick up the phone tomorrow and say, "How about the No. 1 for Jay?" -- then Detroit should accept, offer to buy Denver's brass dinner at the draft and schedule a party at Ford Field.

Are there concerns about Cutler? Sure there are, the most recent being that Cutler is seemingly so at odds with the Broncos. (And that Mel Kiper hates him). He also threw 18 interceptions last year, second-most in the league, behind only Brett Favre's Wild Turnover Ride. To that, I say: Who cares?

Detroit's four-man quarterback clown car of Culpepper-Kitna-Orlovsky-Stanton tossed 19 picks in 2008, but only 18 touchdowns, so it's not like the status quo in Detroit was getting the job done.

Think about it: Cutler throwing to Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson, with Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris in the backfield. If I didn't tell you that was the Lions' potential offense, you would consider that team having the type of weapons to lead a playoff push.

This is more than just Cutler being better than what Detroit had last year, too. This about Cutler bringing a degree of certainty with him wherever he starts next year. Put aside these offseason issues, and his battle with diabetes, and what you are left with is a 25-year-old QB that went to the Pro Bowl in his second full season as a starter after throwing for 4,500-plus yards.

Cutler is on the verge of being one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, if he's not there already. There isn't anyone that can say definitively that Stafford or Mark Sanchez will ever be able to make a similar claim.

If the Lions opt to stand pat and draft Stafford, it would be the second time in seven years that they've attempted to find a franchise quarterback via the draft (Joey Harrington being the other), with a long-term deal for Jon Kitna mixed in there as well. Detroit should know as well as any other team out there how hard a franchise quarterback is to come upon, but Cutler is already one.

All of this is contingent on what Denver's next move is, of course. It's not as if a take 'em-or-leave 'em scenario is on the table for Detroit. New coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos organization have the rest of the offseason to convince Cutler that he's wanted, or figure out the next move. If trading the recently frustrated quarterback is the move, however, that window is narrowed to between now and the draft, and it's not out of the question that a possible trade would go down on draft day itself.

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Unfortunately for Denver (and for Detroit), there currently isn't any QB depth wearing Bronco orange. Darrell Hackney? Denver's not going into next season with him (or whoever they sign to replace Patrick Ramsey) running the show, particularly because the Broncos should be able to contend in the AFC West. Getting Cutler seeing sunshine and rainbows again is, or at least should be, priority one.

If that fails, are there options? They're limited, but there are. The easiest answer is to just take that No. 1 pick for Cutler and select Stafford, then go out and sign a veteran backup. If Sanchez falls to No. 20, the Broncos could theoretically do the same thing there if they pass on the top slot.

But I'll also throw these names out there: Jeff Garcia and Byron Leftwich. Neither are a particularly perfect fit for McDaniels' offense, but both would be fully capable of putting points on the board.

On the other hand, both guys are clear steps down from Cutler -- as are a huge chunk of the quarterbacks in the league. And that's precisely why the Lions ought to do whatever is necessary to bring him to Detroit.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

3-12-2009 @ 2:19AM

BRB said...

What about Cutler to the Bucs. That team would be potent. Do a piece on that.

3-12-2009 @ 3:28AM

Mr.G said...

It would take high draft picks to persuade Denver to do something like trade Cutler.Detroit has them,Tampa does not.

3-12-2009 @ 3:53AM

Tampa can give as many picks necessary, plus they can throw in someone like Luke McCown, who is an immediate improvement over anyone Detroit could offer. Heck, he's even somewhat of an improvement over a possible rookie they draft, just cuz he has some experience. Plus, Denver wouldnt want Detroit's first overall, they would most likely take the 20th overall, since it commands less money. Which means that neither Stafford nor Sanchez will be there

3-12-2009 @ 4:17AM

rwing said...

I think the Lions should do whatever necessary to "restore the roar", something Lions fans haven't had since the days of Bobby Lane. Unfortunately, their owner, William Clay Ford has no care if they win or not and is an idiotic jacka**. I live not far from the now defunct Silverdome and I can tell you the Lions have the BEST and most loyal fans in the NFL. I've also seen QB's come and go, but from what I know Jay Cutler would be most welcome here. We had Joey Harrington I believe as a 1st round pick and everyone knows how that turned out. Hockey is my game and has been for decades, and I think it's time the Lion's fans had something to cheer for too. Of course, now the Lions have a new home in Ford Field but one thing has never changed and it is that WITHOUT QUESTION the Lion's have the absolute BEST AND MOST LOYAL FANS IN THE NFL, if not in all of sports, PERIOD!! Time they had SOMETHING to be proud of too.

3-12-2009 @ 4:19AM

Jo ShAdY said...

did someone say potent and tampa bay in the same sentence hardly they barely have decent players much less good ones see season meltdown plus they are in rebuilding phase 1

3-12-2009 @ 5:51AM

The Lions slogan last year was "the time is now." What a joke. But one thing I'll say to the Lion's management is exactly the same thing...THE TIME IS NOW!!! The only thing that could top the Red Wings victory celebrations and parades down Woodward Ave. in the past(and hopefully this year too) would be a Lion's one. So to the Lion's management, get your act TOGETHER for the long-suffering, but ever hopeful Lions fans who have hung in there so long for YOU!!!

3-12-2009 @ 8:12AM

brewj812 said...

Forget living in fantasy land. Cutler isn't going anywhere, disgruntled or not. Enough with the "if's" and "should's". You obviously have nothing better to write about and are just trying to stir up more ill feelings.

3-12-2009 @ 10:12AM

Elsquare said...

First, find out what Mel Kiper would do, then do the exact opposite. Kiper is always wrong, so ignoring his advice will always be a good start. Cutler is the best answer; BUT, if Cutler is signed, don't stop There. Use the rest of the draft to get the best offensive left tackle, center and offensive guard, available in the draft. One other thing: First, find out what Mel Kiper would do and then, do the exact opposite. Kiper is always wrong, so going counter to him will always be a step in the right direction. Cutler is the best answer, BUT if Cutler is signed, don't stop there. Having a good QB will not help if he gets slaughered by the defenses. Use the rest of the draft to get the very best left tackle, the very best center, and the very best guard available in the draft. One other thing: take a very close look at Derek Anderson. Anderson has never had really good QB coaching, and no concerted effort has ever been made to put him in a system that would take advantage of his rocket arm. But, whatever the Lions do about the QB situation, don't stop there. GET THE VERY BEST OFFENSIVE LINEMEN IN THE DRAFT TO KEEP HIM ALIVE.

3-12-2009 @ 10:50AM

Michael said...

The Broncos did sign Chris Simms, for what it's worth

3-12-2009 @ 1:55PM

To brewj812...it's IMPOSSIBLE "to stir up more ill will" then already exist in Lion's country right now. Get your facts straight, and put your brain? in gear before you open your mouth. I am a woman, but I know enough of football here in Detroit to say ENOUGH of the QB merry-go-round that has been going on here for too long!!!

3-12-2009 @ 3:08PM

To brewj812...one more thing--the Lions are ALREADY living in "fantasy land", and that's what Lions fans would like to "forget". I remember a newsanchor asked a 9-yr. old(in jest obviously) not last year mind you, but the year BEFORE what he thought of the Lions, and his answer not only proves he's smarter than you but also puts your comment on this article to SHAME!!

3-12-2009 @ 8:18PM

Craig said...

as down and depressed detroit is these days...not sure anyone going to be able to afford tickets to any games. Cutler needs to stay in denver..and take the afc west title...

3-12-2009 @ 9:21PM

To "rwing" - Before you open up your obviously big yap, get YOUR facts straight. I am referring to the ill will Cutler has towards the Broncos , NOT the Lions you brainless twit.

3-12-2009 @ 10:55PM

YouFaceTheTick said...

He'll still be a cry-baby loser in Detroit.

3-13-2009 @ 12:16AM

checka624 said...

youfacethetick, its so easy to call NFL players "losers" and "babies" behind the computer screen but who are you?NOBODY! you could have never have gone pro had your life depended on it. You just sit behind a computer screen, and talk about how everyone else sucks to make yourself feel better. You aint nothing but a hater. great life, fat f***.

3-14-2009 @ 2:06AM

Jay, I'm shocked you know how to type. Smile big, peaches.

3-13-2009 @ 10:47AM

To brewj812...That's what I WAS referring to--the ill will Cutler has for the Broncos, and obviously by your comment you don't want the pot stirred any more. But it is only NOW with Cassel gone(and AFTER all the trade rumors about Cutler) that they suddenly WANT to mend fences. I say Jay Cutler would be VERY WELCOME here in Detroit. I was referring to the ill feelings IN GENERAL, DUH?! and giving you more credit for the intelligence and ABILITY to read between the lines then obviously you possess.

3-13-2009 @ 11:34AM

To brewj812...Before you CONFUSE my comments again, I am referring to the coaching change in Denver, and Josh McDaniels who wanted Cassel, but he wound up going to the Chiefs instead. So now that Cassel is out of the mix, suddenly they WANT to reconcile with Cutler. Can't blame the guy for being upset about the trade rumors. To Jay Cutler, come to the Lions where you'd be certainly be welcome, and WANTED from the beginning!!!

3-13-2009 @ 12:17PM

To rwing: Intelligence is something YOU are obviously still searching for. I don't need to explain myself to a nitwit such as yourself. Perceive as you will....Look forward to next Thanksgiving when the Lions are thoroughly thrashed yet again. How about you???

3-13-2009 @ 1:59PM

To brewj812...You, unfortunately are probably right in that the Lions WILL probably get thrashed again!!! It is nothing new here, and I generally don't watch the Thanksgiving game anyway. I just know the frustrations of the Lion's ever faithful fans has reached the boiling point, and with good right when the Lions idiotic owner doesn't care. We all tend to perceive things from our own perspective, and fail to see the other person's point of view. I'm just trying to stand-up for the Lion's fans who for too long have endured POOR coaching, LOUSY management and a SENILE AND FOOLISH owner. Maybe I am FOOLISH for doing so. No hard feelings, and good luck to your Broncos!!

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