Dolphins HC Adam Gase Says Jay Cutler Still a Starting QB in NFL

Adam Gase presided over the Chicago Bears offense during Jay Cutler's strong 2015 season, and he told reporters Tuesday he believes the 33-year-old is still worthy of another shot despite a shaky 2016 campaign that was marred by injuries and inconsistencies.

"I think he's a starting quarterback in the NFL," Gase said at the NFL's owners meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson.

"I don't get all the hatred towards him," Gase added. "I see a guy that worked hard and did everything he could to help his team win. He sacrificed his body. To me, he was an athletic quarterback that can throw the ball. When you got to third down you could call the worst play possible and he would get the conversion. He made a lot of things that we did look really good. I think he has a lot to offer a team."

Based on the lone season they spent together in the Windy City, it's easy to see why Gase would be a fan of Cutler's.

In 15 appearances during the 2015 season, Cutler completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also posted a career-best quarterback rating of 92.3 during that stretch.

However, Cutler suffered a statistical backslide in 2016 during a year derailed by thumb and shoulder injuries. All told, Cutler completed 59.1 percent of his passes for 1,059 yards, four scores and five interceptions in five starts.

Now an unrestricted free agent, Cutler is looking for a new home as the offseason rolls on. That said, excitement doesn't seem to be abounding across the NFL regarding his availability.

According to WGN Radio's Adam Hoge, there was a "strong belief" at the owners meeting that Cutler won't play in 2017.