Jay Cutler: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on QB's Future with Bears

Quarterback Jay Cutler's future with the Chicago Bears is uncertain as the 2016-17 regular season enters its final weeks.

Continue for updates.

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Cutler Could Remain in Chicago?

Sunday, Nov. 27

"There is not a lot of optimism Cutler will return to the field this season, though the team considers him one of their toughest players, so they haven't ruled out that prospect. They want to give him every opportunity to return," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.

Rapoport also provided insight into Cutler's shoulder injury:

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After a battery of tests and multiple medical opinions, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is dealing with a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, according to several sources informed of his condition.

In addition to the injury, he's also dealing with significant wear-and-tear on this right shoulder from years of bumps, bruises and countless throws. The result is painful tendonitis that threatens to end his season.

"

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Bears Reportedly Were Prepared to Keep Cutler on Bench

Thursday, Oct. 27

According to Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune, "Two different league sources say [head coach John Fox] had told friends he was done with Cutler."

If that's the case, the feeling isn't mutual—or at least Cutler hasn't acknowledged a disconnect publicly.

"There's never been any strain in our relationship," Cutler said of Fox, per Chris Emma of CBS Chicago. "We're on the same page. We just want to win football games."

Fox also refuted the report, according to Adam Hoge of WGN Radio:

Cutler was forced back into the starting lineup after Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve with a broken arm. As Mulligan reported: "The worst-kept secret is football is that Cutler is only back as a starter because the Bears have nowhere else to turn."

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Cutler Has Failed to Meet Expectations of Expensive Contract

Cutler, 33, is under contract with the Bears through the 2020 season and will represent a cap hit of $16 million in 2017, $17 million in 2018, $20 million in 2019 and $21.7 million in 2020, according to Spotrac.com. None of that money is guaranteed, however, which means the Bears can get out of Cutler's massive contract without absorbing any significant hits to their cap.

They'll assuredly take that option and likely turn to the draft as they look for a future franchise quarterback. They may also turn to free agency for a stopgap if they draft a quarterback who needs time to develop, though a healthy Hoyer could also fill that role.

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