Broncos blink, plan to trade Cutler
Owner Pat Bowlen all but confirmed in a statement late Tuesday that Jay Cutler will be an ex-Bronco by April 25.
Prior to 9PM ET Tuesday I would've called the chances of Cutler staying in Denver 60:40, with the odds slightly favoring a makeup after some concessions on both sides. But rookie coach Josh McDaniels maintained his stance that "every player is tradeable." Cutler's camp tried to capitalize on the Broncos' initial trade attempt by angling for a new contract. Ultimately it became clear that parting would be best for both sides.
All that's history now. The Broncos have finally given in and lost their franchise quarterback -- precisely what made this coaching job so appealing when Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30. They're also poised to get a bounty of draft picks.
It works out nicely that no AFC West team needs a QB. Denver won't receive offers from clubs inside the division and can trade Cutler to the highest bidder. The Bucs and Lions will be heavily involved, and the Broncos shouldn't have any real problem trading Cutler in-conference if it comes to that.
But replacing Cutler will be virtually impossible. Perhaps I'm biased, but I have to think that McDaniels is kicking himself for entertaining those inquiries on Free Agency Eve last month. Now he'll need to start studying some college tape.
Comments
iE4iAp comment1 ,
Posted by: Ezzxtnfa | June 26, 2009 07:05 PM
iE4iAp comment1 ,
Posted by: Ezzxtnfa | June 26, 2009 07:06 PM