NFL Notes: Jay Culter, Mexico City, Broncos, Lions, & Packers

Jay Culter

Albert Breer of NFL Media writes while it seemed implausible earlier in the year that Jay Cutler could show enough during the 2015 season to return to Chicago in 2016, “the possibility seems more real every day.”

According to Breer, Cutler has impressed both the coaching staff and front office and has made a concerted effort to eliminate the bad turnovers that have plagued him in the past.

Of course, the Bears could lose OC Adam Gase in the coming months, as he’s considered a top coaching candidate. However, even if Gase were to depart for a head-coaching job, Breer believes there are enough positives regarding Cutler for the Bears to keep him and his $16 million salary.

Chicago will need to make a decision by St. Patrick’s Day of next year when the remaining $6 million of his 2016 base becomes guaranteed.

Mexico City

• According to Albert Breer, the NFL’s goal of hosting a game in Mexico has slowed a bit in recent weeks.
• The NFL is reportedly expecting to have a decision before the Super Bowl on whether or not they’ll be holding a 2016 game in Mexico.
• However, this will likely come down to the readiness of Azteca Stadium to host such an event.

Broncos

• James Palmer mentions that Broncos QB Peyton Manning is exactly in the same place in his rehab as he was two weeks ago.
• Palmer adds that Manning will have a big workout on Saturday and HC Gary Kubiak will be in attendance.

Lions

• Albert Breer points out that if the Lions win their final two games of the season, HC Jim Caldwell will have 18 wins since taking the Detroit job last year, which is one win off the winningest two-year stretch in team history.

Packers

• Albert Breer writes that the Packers were in a tough position with DL Mike Daniels before they locked him up to a four-year, $42 million deal, as applying their franchise tag would have run them the same figure for a defensive ends — between $15 million and $16 million.
• If the Packers ran a 4-3 defense, Daniels would be considered a defensive tackle, which would have saved them close to $2 million if they were to use the tag.
• This could have given Daniels much more leverage in negations had they not got an extension in place before the start of free agency next March.