A SIGH OF RELIEF: CUTLER IS RELEASED

Jay Cutler

Eight years ago it seemed as though the Chicago Bears would solve their quarterback issues with the acquisition of Jay Cutler. At age 26 Cutler seemed like the perfect fit for a franchise that hadn't had a great history of quarterbacks. Fast forward to 2017 and Bears fans are happy to see Cutler go. He was released yesterday and I'm pretty he'll find a new team to ruin within the next few weeks.

Let me get this out the way now. Cutler is the best quarterback the Bears franchise has ever had. He holds the franchise records for pass completions, pass attempts, passing touchdowns, quarterback rating, and 300 yard passing games. The peak of his Bears career came in 2010 when the Bears reached the NFC championship. Not only did the Bears lose at home to the Green Bay Packers 21-14, but Cutler was injured and unable to finish the game. The Packers would go to win the Super Bowl just a couple weeks later. This is also the last time the Bears made the playoffs.

Since we're on the subject of the Packers let's talk about how Cutler saved his worst performances against the division rivals. Cutler's 2-11 record against the Packers is an absolute disappointment. I know Packers fans are going to miss Cutler and his 22 interceptions during this rivalry. As former Packers cornerback Charles Woodson put it after a 2012 victory in Chicago, "it's the same-old Jay. We don't need luck; Jay will throw us the ball."

The Bears took a chance on Cutler as the franchise quarterback and they surrounded him with weapons. Matt Forte would lead the backfield attack while the receiving core consisted of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett. The talent was there with Cutler, but he just failed to get the job done. His interceptions would come at the worst time during games and his nonchalant attitude rubbed fans the wrong way. 

In 2014 Cutler would sign a seven-year extension for $126 million with Chicago. In this contract Cutler was guaranteed $50 million. I would call this highway robbery considering the fact Cutler's performance didn't live up to half the money from this contract. Cutler would always shows flashes of his potential but he was never consistent and couldn't get the job done when it mattered the most.

It warms many fan's hearts to know Cutler won't be in that Bears uniform anymore. The eight year experiment with Cutler was a failure. The Bears haven't seen the playoffs in seven years and during that span their rival Packers have owned them. Hopefully better days are ahead with the departure of Cutler. His 51-51 record with the Bears showed just how much of a franchise quarter he wasn't during his tenure.