Broncos Will Try to Trade Jay Cutler

When the season ended, nobody could've imagined that the Denver Broncos would trade their 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback. Yet a month after Jay Cutler learned that the organization had contemplated making a deal for Matt Cassel, that possibility might finally be realized.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who admitted to to being "very disappointed" in the way Cutler has handled the situation from the outset, issued this statement Tuesday:

"Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by Head Coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful. A conversation with his agent earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."

Well, it sounds like Cutler got what he wanted, except there's the issue of where he might end up. According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, seven teams -- Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville, the Jets, San Francisco and Tampa Bay -- have already expressed interest in the unhappy quarterback.

Detroit is an obvious destination, but the Lions are coming off a winless 2008 season, and have myriad needs.

They have since cleaned out the front office and hired a smart, young head coach, and that could be a selling point for Cutler (assuming Jim Schwartz doesn't promptly try to trade him). Although Detroit could certainly benefit from some stability at the position, will Cutler be better off than if he had stayed in Denver? Competitively, probably not. But as Jeff George recently noted, sometimes it's about more than winning.

The quarterback position is so fragile, and people just don't understand what goes into it. It's not just on Sundays that you're on the spot. You're the leader of the team. You're the face of the franchise. The minute it comes out that they're thinking about getting rid of you for someone else, you feel like the coach isn't on your side, and there's a trust issue.

Which pretty much brings us up to speed. All that's left to figure out: where Cutler lands, who will replace him in Denver and how much the Broncos get in return.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

3-31-2009 @ 9:42PM

oldmarbs said...

if Detroit gets cassel and an offensive lineman with the number one pick ( assuming they dont need it to trade for cassel) thier offense would be formidable. Now, there defense, thats a whole nother story...but hey, that would be Denver all over again.

3-31-2009 @ 9:46PM

Chris B. said...

Don't forget the Jets. They've already publicly thrown in their name. 1 more season and we'll have a new stadium and we need to sell more ticket packages... Getting a star QB would be HUGE! I won't be surprised if we don't throw them 2 1sts and a conditional.

Come to NY Jay!!

4-01-2009 @ 1:21PM

Deena said...

I don't think the Jets will go for him. The players have already put their 2 cents in on him and they don't want to play with the brat. Cutler needs to keep his mouth shut to the opposing teams because now everyone knows what an immature brat he is! I've been a Bronco fan for 36 years and have never seen such a disgusting show by our quarterback. (and I'm not talking about his skills..rather his attitude) He doesn't take responsibility for his actions and constantly yells at his team mates for his mess ups. He's an embarrassment to watch. I've heard from so many fans that say they have left games early because they couldn't take Cutlers behavior. That's sad isn't it? Great way to fill a stadium! Anyhow, that being said, I hope Cutler decides to grow up so his next team doesn't have to deal with his drama!!

3-31-2009 @ 9:52PM

Adam said...

Daaaaamn. Seeing how much of a chump Cutler has been, I didn't think he'd have it in him to go through with this. He better get deep into the playoffs with whoever he ends up with, or he's going to end up looking like more of a doofus who left a good situation. Better hope the grass really is greener, Jay.

And on a more personal note, I hope the Redskins do not make a play for him. We need all our draft picks, we can't afford all these guys, and anyone who would balance a trade either directly with Denver or through a 3-way trade is someone we need more than Cutler (e.g. Cooley, Landry). If it happens, it happens, but I don't think he's worth whatever it would take.

3-31-2009 @ 9:58PM

clubberj said...

Dear Mr. Snyder,

Please read the above article and immediately trade for Jay Cutler. You must end the failed Jason Campbell four year experiment. The Skins only reached the playoffs under Brunnell and then under Collins after Campbell was hurt. Nothing under Campbell. Too slow to make decisions, too slow to release the ball, too slow to read the defense. Just too slow. Certainly not a West Coast offens QB. So pleaseeeeeeeee get Cutler.

3-31-2009 @ 10:12PM

bears0492 said...

Jay Cutler is a superstar, and would possibly be a superbowl winning QB if he had any help on defense. The Broncos defense is abysmal and lost them countless games.

However, you can't really blame McDaniels for wanting Cassel, considering McDaniels is responsible for Cassel's emergence.

As for Cutler, I hope he doesn't go to the Vikings or Lions. The Bears don't need extra competition from those teams. I think the Vikings would make a deep run in the playoffs if they acquired him, and the Lions would have a formidable offense if they got a QB like Cutler (Cutler, C Johnson, Kevin Smith, Bryant Johnson). I don't think the Bears are going to pursue him, since they are fairly content with Kyle Orton.

I'd say the Jets, Browns, Skins, Lions, and Redskins are the teams most likely to get him.

3-31-2009 @ 10:14PM

amy said...

Cassel is staying in K.C. My guess is Jets, Detroit. Minnesota would be a good fit.

3-31-2009 @ 10:28PM

brewj812 said...

Unbelievable....I don't know which side I'm angrier with...

3-31-2009 @ 10:32PM

marc said...

I personally would have just simply fired McDumbass as soon as I heard he was listening offers to trade the face of my franchise if I were Bowlen. You just do not try and trade a young, proven quarterback with the arm Cutler has. I do hope the Skins make a move for him because we would be all set. This years first rd and maybe next years 2nd would do. I hate to say it but the best players the Skins draft come with late round picks (e.g. Chris Horton). Bring Cutler in Danny boy.

3-31-2009 @ 10:36PM

ICEMAN said...

Cutler is a punk cry baby who has been mad ever since he realized he is no John Elway. Yeah he is good but do it on the field not the media and now crying cuz there were rumours come on Cutler suck it up and play ball kind of looks like Griese all over again but oh well a true Bronco fan knows that one day the team will click again just hope now instead of losing close games they will win them..

3-31-2009 @ 10:38PM

asports1992 said...

Jay Cutler needs to grow up and a grow a pair of you know what and needs stop whining like a little kid. He is acting like he is a sure ballot hall of fame...Well I got news for you Jay...You are good but not good enough to start crying like a little baby. Just grab your footballs and start acting like an adult

3-31-2009 @ 10:42PM

itsallgoodjoe9 said...

Jay is a disfunctional product of a disfunctional family. He is a no class over rated "player" ! Broncos will be the winner in this deal and that is a fact . Jay will be an also ran in Jeff George clone.

3-31-2009 @ 10:51PM

JFCJR said...

Shanahan has got to be laughing his a** off!!!

3-31-2009 @ 10:50PM

Ah the sound of pissed of Donkey fans. Cutler is gone because of McDumbass. He loved playing in Denver clearly which is why he was offended about the trade talks, courtesy of McDumbass. All this showed Cutler is that coach does not want him in Denver and I agree with Jay in that he wants to be traded. He did not have to act like a faggot about the whole thing though. That will hurt the Broncos in that teams may reconsider their offers for a crybaby.

jawgaboy6274 said...

please, please, please,dojnt bring that premadonna to washington. besides haynesworth will probably kick him in the face.

3-31-2009 @ 10:58PM

PAIN IN THE ASS said...

Let the looser sit out the season. He needs to grow up.

3-31-2009 @ 10:59PM

Why not bring him? He can play and play in a west coast offense. I agree completely with the ClubberJ. Campbell was a good fit with the Joe Gibbs team. Not with the Jim Zorn west coast offense. He is not sharp enough. Cutler is a Pro Bowler in the West Coast offense system and we have defense in Washington. All we are missing is someone to put points on the board. Portis is not the problem. Our receivers can only score when they get the ball. HELLO quarterback!! Bring him in. Make cap room and bring him in.

3-31-2009 @ 11:00PM

Ski said...

For acting like such a child instead of a man, I hope he lands in Detroit. As for the Broncos letting a Rookie Coach handle this was a mistake that I hope that they pay for in years of mediocrity!!!!!!!!!

3-31-2009 @ 11:06PM

I disagree. NFL players are not what they used to be. They are ALL babies. They go out and play a sport we all play for fun in high school and get paid millions and then sit out when they get so much as a booboo on their foot. When MEN played football they didnt let injuries bug them. Having said that, I would expect a reaction like Cutlers from any other player too.

3-31-2009 @ 11:36PM

DDT034 said...

BOWLEN YOU DUMB A$$. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LET THIS LITTLE WEASEL DO THIS TO DENVER. JUST REALIZE THE REPERCUSSION THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT'S ONLY OBVIOUS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW SH=T ABOUT FOOTBALL. BE HAPPY WITH YOUR NEW LITTLE BIT*@