Still A Chance Jay Cutler Is Back With Bears Next Year?

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirms that Bears QB Jay Cutler is, in fact, dealing with a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. This was confirmed after Cutler underwent a battery of tests and multiple medical opinions in recent days.

However, Rapoport adds that Cutler has been dealing with “significant wear-and-tear” to his right shoulder from years of bumps, bruises and countless throws, which has resulted in painful tendonitis that could end his 2016 season.

As of now, there reportedly isn’t a lot of optimism that Cutler will return this season, even though Chicago hasn’t ruled out this possibility.

Interestingly enough, Rapoport mentions that Cutler could put off surgery for another month, but this would mean that it’s unlikely he’d be cleared in time for free agency. Rapoport points out that while Cutler is set to make a base salary of $12.5 million and another $2.5 million in roster bonuses, it’s not all that bad for a starting quarterback nowadays.

Rapoport adds that even though team tried to move on from him a few years ago and HC John Fox is not believed to be his biggest fan, there’s still they could consider holding onto him, as next year’s quarterback class is considered limited and Brian Hoyer will be a free agent.

Cutler, 33, is in the third year of his seven-year, $126.7 million contract that included $54 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $16 million for the 2016 season.

Cutler has no guaranteed money left on his contract and Chicago would only take a $2 million salary cap hit by releasing him next year. The Bears would pick up $13 million in salary-cap space should they cut him loose.

In 2016, Cutler has appeared in five games and throw for 1,059 yards while completing 59.1 percent of his passes to go along with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 32 quarterback out of 35 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Cutler as the news is available.