Tonight's Chicago Bears Pipe Dream

News leaked out of Denver that a couple of teams had contacted the Denver Broncos regarding the availability of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler.

Nothing developed, but Cutler is now understandably miffed that the Broncos would even listen to an offer for the soon-to-be 26-year old.

I have nothing against Kyle Orton as the Bears starting quarterback, but...

Let's talk hypothetically here. What might the Bears offer the Broncos for a new lease on life under center? How about this:

Bears send Orton, CB Nathan Vasher and the No. 18 overall pick in the 2009 draft for Cutler and a conditional draft pick in 2010.

Why would the Bears make this trade?

First, Vasher has had health issues, and the Bears have secondary depth with which he can be replaced. He also has a big contract (his 2008 cap number was over $5 million), which would be nice to move.

Secondly, Cutler is an elite quarterback that is (again, no offense to the Neckbeard) a huge upgrade from Orton.

Thirdly, the Bears have a mixed history with their first-round picks, especially recently. If you can add a starting, top tier quarterback that has experience and is only 26, it's worth a pick in the lower half of the first round.

Why would the Broncos make this trade?

They've signed two new safeties in Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill in an effort to beef up their secondary. They waived Dre Bly and might like Vasher as a replacement opposite Champ Bailey.

If they move Cutler, they obviously need a replacement. Orton's certainly not going to wow people the way Cutler does, but he's a good NFL quarterback when healthy.

But Vasher and Orton aren't even close to being the real reasons the Broncos make this trade. If the Broncos had 12th and 18th picks in this draft, they are instantly able to bring in some serious young talent to upgrade their roster.

What if Denver made this deal, and had those two picks? Imagine if they suddenly were able to add Brian Cushing or Rey Maualuga to their linebackers and then come back and add Knowshon Moreno to their backfield? Or even drafting Mark Sanchez as their heir apparent at 18, to now replace Orton?

Denver also has no guarantee that they'll keep Cutler after his rookie contract expires, and this episode certainly doesn't help their case. If they think they might lose him as a free agent, a deal like this might make sense for their long term as well as their immediate needs.