Chicago Bears Reportedly Ready to Move On From Jay Cutler to Make Room for Jimmy Garoppolo
Recent Chicago Bears rumors suggest that the team is ready to move on from quarterback Jay Cutler in order to make a move for Jimmy Garoppolo.
It is only a matter of time before the Chicago Bears make a change at the quarterback position. Jay Cutler’s contract is finally at a point where the team can move on from him without eating a ton of salary cap space.
Related Story: Why the Bears Must Trade for Jimmy Garoppolo
They could look to replace him with a talented signal caller in the 2017 NFL Draft, and free agency could also be an option. However, the trade market is looking more and more enticing.
Perhaps the top available quarterback this off season is Jimmy Garoppolo of the New England Patriots. Garoppolo is extremely unproven, but he has a lot of talent, has shined when given an opportunity and has been groomed under legends. It will not be cheap, but obtaining Garoppolo is certainly enticing.
Last week, the Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Bears have made Garoppolo their “top offseason priority.” Less than a week later, and La Canfora is making the connection again, this time with a Jay Cutler wrinkle.
The Bears are eager to move on from Cutler and as reported last week, primed to make a real run at Illinois native Jimmy Garoppolo
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 8, 2017
We have all figured that the Chicago Bears and Cutler would part ways this off season. But seeing a respected national reporter talking about them being eager to move on is certainly interesting. Him mentioning Garoppolo again only adds to the intrigue.
I could see the Bears swinging a trade for Garoppolo before moving on from Cutler. The writing is on the wall that Cutler’s time in Chicago is over, landing Garoppolo would only cement that whether he is still on the roster or not.
That being said, it would be nice if the Bears were able to get something in return for him. In a separate Tweet, La Canfora brings up an interesting thought.
Jets name Jeremy Bates QB coach. I've been reporting Cutler is possibility there at right $. Bates coached Cutler to PB season in DEN. Hmmm
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 8, 2017
The New York Jets hiring Jeremy Bates to be their quarterbacks coach is certainly an interesting wrinkle. Bates and Cutler were close when they worked together in Denver and Chicago, and the Jets have an obvious need at quarterback.
Next: Bears' Mock Off Season: Free Agency and 7-Rd Mock Draft
Perhaps the Chicago Bears can swing two trades involving quarterbacks and AFC East teams? Many things can happen over an off season, but these scenarios are undoubtedly worth watching going forward.