Eight years ago Jay Cutler was a far off dream for Chicago Bears fans. Another Pro Bowl quarterback another team had successfully drafted and developed. Then thanks to a freak set of circumstances that almost never happen in the NFL, the opportunity came for the Bears to trade for him. When they succeeded, it was felt this would usher in a whole new era for Chicago football.
They were almost right. Cutler overcome a rough start to help the Bears to the NFC championship in 2010. Unfortunately, that would prove to be his high water mark. It's been nothing but injuries, controversy and heartbreaking defeats since then. As he's set to turn 34-years old, it feels more than ever like the franchise is ready to move on.
Most of the discussion over the past month is who the man replacing him will be. A free agent? A draft pick? Another trade acquisition? Opinions have varied, but not many people are asking the other side of that question. Where will Cutler land in 2017 if the Bears decide to cut him loose? An answer may be coming to light.
A number of team have been speculated from the New York Jets to the San Francisco 49ers. One that hadn't been mentioned much of late? The Houston Texans. Not surprising since it seemed they were stuck with their current investment (disaster) in Brock Osweiler. However, after seeing how close that roster is to being Super Bowl-ready, their urgency to find a capable quarterback has increased.
Bringing in a veteran like Cutler on a cheap deal might be worth it. Charlie Campbell of Walter Football has it on good authority that this is a direction the Texans plan to look this March.
"According to sources, if the Texans do acquire a veteran, it would probably be a free agent like Jay Cutler or Tony Romo if they were released and willing to take a cheap contract. The Texans are the only playoff team in the market for a starting quarterback, so if either Cutler or Romo wants a shot to win before the end of their careers, Houston could be their best opportunity. The Texans won't be able to offer a big contract for either veteran because of the money taken up by Brock Osweiler."It's a fascinating idea. Cutler has made his money at this point thanks to the massive guaranteed contract he got from Chicago. At this point he's playing more for a shot at a championship. Odds are he'd take a short-term, cheaper deal for that chance. Houston is a team that makes plenty of sense given their array of weapons. Bill O'Brien is also the kind of disciplined coach who can get the most out of him. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Jay-Cutler-to-Eddie-Royal-for-the-Red-Zone-Score-Bears-vs.-Texans-NFL.mp4"][/video] One thing is for sure, despite his faults Cutler is simply a better quarterback than Osweiler. Besides that it's not likely the Texans will be able to get Tony Romo either. All signs point to him and the Denver Broncos having eyes for each other. So unless the Texans are willing to gamble on a draft pick or trade option, Cutler may be the best they immediate option they can hope for. For what it's worth he'd have almost the exact same setup as in 2010. A top defense and a versatile running back. The difference this time would be a far more capable group of wide receivers including DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Certainly better options than Devin Hester and Johnny Knox. This could be the sleeper move of the 2017 off-season. It will come down to what the Bears have planned for him and how much the Texans are willing to pay.
