ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that several NFL executives believe the Chicago Bears may have to include a “decent” draft pick to trade QB Jay Cutler next year.
This is, of course, due to the fact that Cutler has $25.5 million worth of guarantees remaining in his contract.
Schefter adds that NFL rules will force a team taking on Cutler and a possibly pick in a trade to part with some compensation as well. However, Schefter mentions that the team trading for Cutler could surrender a late-round pick in the deal.
Schefter admits that this scenario probably would not go over well with Bears fans, but the cap savings they would get could allow them to continue to trade upgrades in free agency.
Yesterday, we posted a look at some alternative options for the Bears if they do, in fact, go the route of trading Cutler.
Cutler told reporters on Thursday that he would like to be back with the Bears next year, but it appears as though Chicago is prepared to move in a different direction. Releasing outright would be a painful move, so there is at least a decent enough chance that the Bears explore their trade options next year, even if it requires them to part with draft picks.
Cutler, 31, has completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 3,640 yards to go along with 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 33 quarterback out of 40 qualifying players.
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