Chicago Bears free agency: Cuts Bears should make to increase cap space
Jay Cutler, Cap savings: $14 million
The time for the divorce is at hand. The Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler need to part ways, for the good of both parties. The team pulled the trigger on a trade with Denver in 2009. They sent Kyle Orton, their first round pick in 2009 and 2010, and their 2009 third round pick. In addition to Cutler, the Bears received Denver’s fifth-round pick in 2009.
Cutler came to Chicago with lofty expectations. Finally, the Bears would have a quarterback with elite talent. Fans had visions of multiple playoff victories and championships.
That did not happen, however.
For whatever reason, be it bad coaching, bad offensive lines, or his bad attitude, Cutler could only produce ONE playoff victory. He became a lightning rod for controversy with fans, coaches, and media.
Over the last several seasons, the win totals dropped and the interceptions rose. The frustrations grew as well. In addition, his body started to break down.
Part of the problem was the mega contract the Bears handed Cutler. In 2014, they signed him to a seven-year, $154 million deal. In return, they got 12 wins, 53 touchdowns, and 52 turnovers. And . no playoff appearances.
Now with the Bears at a crossroad, John Fox and the Chicago Bears feel the need to move on. He’ll be 34 when the season starts, and the injuries are piling up. In his first five seasons, he missed one game. In his last six seasons, that total was 24. He also missed a game because he was benched.
As with any divorce, the reasons for it isn’t important anymore. The fact is, the relationship is over and it’s time for both parties to go their separate ways. The $14 million the Bears save will help in improving the team, so it’s best that each side just says good-bye and move on.
The Bears also have the case of Charles Leno, Jr. If they cut him, they save another $1.8 million.
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If the Chicago Bears make these cuts, their cap space swells to just over $80 million. That is a huge amount, especially for a big market like Chicago. The city makes the team attractive, and the money more so. Expect them to be major players in the free agent market this year.