It isn't often that you see a marquee player such as a franchise quarterback get traded in the NFL. Sure, it happens from time to time, but for the most part, starting quarterbacks stay put.
But two QBs that have been mentioned in trade rumors (to varying degrees) this offseason are Chicago's Jay Cutler and Washington's Robert Griffin III. It is doubtful that either signal-caller is on a new team next season, but with both struggling mightily in 2014, it is not completely out of the question. After all, we live in a world in which Peyton Manning plays for the Broncos while Joe Montana finished his career outside of San Francisco. Crazy things happen from time to time.
ESPN's NFL senior writer John Clayton was asked if the Bears and Redskins should consider a straight swap of quarterbacks in his most recent mailbag. Here's what Clayton had to say about that proposed deal.
"That would be a bad trade for the Bears. Griffin has so many fundamentals to fix, the Bears' offense would be worse. The Redskins' offense would be significantly better with Cutler. Unless RG III improves, it would be a one-sided trade in favor of the Redskins. You are right about one thing, though. Both quarterbacks probably need a change of scenery. The Bears might move Cutlers because $10 million of next year's salary is guaranteed if he's on the roster March 12."
Cutler threw for 3,812 yards with 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes this past season. However, the Bears went just 5-11 while the offense finished the year 21st in yards per game (327.1) and 23rd in points (19.9). Many NFL observers thought Cutler and the offense underachieved given the amount of talent at the skill positions in Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.
Griffin suffered a dislocated ankle - the second major leg injury of his NFL career - in Week 2, missing seven games. He threw for 1,694 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 68.7 percent of his passes. His rushing ability was significantly hampered as well as he carried the ball just 38 times for 176 yards and one touchdown in nine games. RGIII is now just 5-15 in his last 20 starts.
The Redskins recently announced that Griffin will be the team's starter in 2015. The Bears, meanwhile, have made no indication that they are preparing to trade Cutler. But, as Clayton notes, a new opportunity may benefit both of them. Could they be traded? It's possible, though unlikely. Could they be traded for one another? Clayton doesn't think so.
