The Chicago Bears will be holding on to quarterback Jay Cutler for the foreseeable future, but that doesn't mean that they won't be investigating other QB options. New head coach john Fox and general manager Ryan Pace are less than thrilled with the prospect of Cutler starting 16 games for them this season. As a result, it's not a surprise that ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson listed them as one of the five teams that should trade for Tampa Bay QB Mike Glennon.
"The Bears would love to be rid of Jay Cutler, but his contract won't allow that," Williamson wrote. "A strong-armed quarterback is a must in the Windy City, and that's one of Glennon's biggest strengths. He'd be an immediate upgrade over Jimmy Clausen, the current No. 2, and could potentially take over for Cutler late this season if Cutler repeats his dreadful 2014 campaign. It's not far-fetched to think that if Glennon ends up in Chicago, he would enter 2016 as a clear starter."
Cutler still has a lot of arm talent and can make throws that Glennon simply cannot. The Bears QB also set career highs in completion percentage (66.0) and passing touchdowns (28) last year. But for too long have Cutler's offenses underachieved and his propensity for turnovers derailed offensive game plans. That's not to say that Glennon is a better option, just that the Bears seem ready to move on in the near future.
However, Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase referred to Clausen as a "perfect fit" as the No. 2 QB, despite his 60.2 passer rating since entering the league in 2010.
"I feel like from what we saw on tape last year - and I know it was limited, I know what we saw on tape was limited - but he's really grown as a play," Gase said last month. "And what we're trying to put together right now, he was a great fit for that room. He and Jay have a great relationship. I felt like he'd be perfect for what we were trying to do offensively."
Gase's comments make it seem as if the Bears are content with him as the main back up under center. Whether or not Fox pulls the trigger on a trade, it appears as if Cutler is Chicago's best option as a starter for 2015.
