Six Teams that Could Show Interest in Cutler

Where will current Broncos starting QB Jay Cutler finish grazing peacefully?

From the looks of things, it won't be in Denver. Cutler requested a trade, and Josh McDaniels is going to attempt to fix this relationship one more time. I still don't understand the criticism of Cutler. He's been labeled as a toddler for his behavior, but it should be pretty obvious that Matt Cassel is not an upgrade for Jay Cutler in any way shape or form. Jay Cutler is one of the brightest spots on a team that is just a giant mess defensively and is going through a major coaching change after a decade and a half with the same man in charge.

But with Shanahan out, it seems that his quarterback is on his way out. There are definitely a few potential landing spots and I don't think Detroit is one of them.

1. New York Jets -- They are said to be eyeing the situation, and it would certainly make sense after the way the Jets pounced on Favre last year. But trading for Cutler would come at a very different price and a very different reason then for Favre. Favre was a one-year bandaid and an attempt to rev the engine and cause excitement. It worked partially, but overall blew up in this franchises face. Still, the Jets don't have a ton of holes and could have a top defense in the AFC. Cutler won't need a new contract if the Jets deal for him as he still has three years left on his deal, and this dispute between Cutler and the Broncos isn't contract related (Cutler makes almost 8 million a year). The Jets are the team that makes the most sense here. A twenty-five year old pro bowl quarterback just hitting his stride in an offense that has a well established offensive line and running game? Not even a potential Thomas Jones holdout could throw a wrench in this one. Cutler to the Jets seems like a match made in heaven.

2. Buffalo Bills -- Right after the Jets it's AFC rival Buffalo. Now wouldn't that create some stir? Cutler to Terrell Owens? Talk about putting Buffalo back on the significance map. The rumor has been that Buffalo has been floating Trent Edwards and their 1st round pick for Cutler. Edwards doesn't seem like a good fit for the McDaniel's offense though, and I don't see this one working out. Still, Cutler in Buffalo could be a beautiful match as well. Especially with Evans and T.O.

3. Carolina Panthers -- I don't understand why they haven't jumped into the mix at all. This would be a huge upgrade over Jake Delhomme and his failing arm. Cutler would be able to properly utilize Steve Smith, and maybe help Dwayne Jarrett make something of his career. If he can't, then it seems Carolina is still in need of a number two wide receiver. They haven't been mentioned once, but I think Carolina could wind up being a major player for Cutler. This is a team that probably thinks they are one player away from the Super Bowl. Why not get Cutler? If they do, I will just say it's doubtful that Julius Peppers would be involved in the deal. Denver would fit the bill for a 3-4 defense, but they've pretty much said they don't want to shell out 100 million for anyone.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- I think this one would be another good match since Tampa Bay has literally nothing proven at the quarterback position. Still, the Buccaneers receivers are pretty mediocre, and the addition of Kellen Winslow is a blessing and a curse, because there's no guarantees at all about how long Kellen's restructured knees will last. Returning to the south and a more temperate climate would probably be favorable for Cutler, but I can't imagine Tampa Bay giving up both of their first day picks via trade. This one doesn't seem likely to me even though if Denver does deal Cutler, I'd imagine they'd want him out of the AFC.

5. Detroit Lions -- I really can't see this one happening, because the value doesn't match up. Would the Lions deal for Cutler and swap first round picks with Denver? That seems more of a curse to Denver. They'd have to pay #1 overall money to an unproven player. Plus, neither Stafford nor Sanchez is exactly ideal for McDaniel's attack anyway. They'd probably wind up taking the top defensive player at first overall, and the real question is whether or not Aaron Curry is worth Jay Cutler and a mid-1st rounder? For Denver, it's definitely not. If they do deal Cutler, I'd wager they'd prefer to accumulate picks, not move up in the draft. If this deal were to work, they'd probably need the 33rd overall pick and a 2010 1st, which I highly doubt Detroit would be willing to give up.

6. San Francisco 49ers -- They seem content to let Shaun Hill and Alex Smith battle for the job so I won't make much of a comment here. What I will say though--for a team that's not all that far off this move would be helpful. Still, the Niners seem to be committed to a run heavy attack in 2009, so Cutler doesn't seem to make much sense.