Trading for Jay Cutler Is Like Putting a Band Aid on a Bullet Hole

...it might stop some bleeding, but doesn't take care of the real problem. 

In reading over multiple Bears blogs and the opinions in the Tribune in recent days, I have seen a growing sentiment for signing Denver's Jay Cutler, and why not?  He's a gun-slinging quarterback who can throw the deep ball accurately and seems ready to join the top tier of NFL quarterbacks. 

Yet, Bears fans cannot have it both ways.  Cutler is going to cost beaucoup draft picks for any time that would be attempting to trade for him and the last time I checked, the Bears needed those to make their team into a contender.  Let’s take a quick look at why the Bears need those picks.

Offensive Line: Although Jerry Angelo would like us to think that signing Frank Omiyale and the pursuit of John St. Clair solves the line problems, it doesn’t even come close. 

Olin Kreutz and Roberto Garza have each clearly lost a step (or more than one), and while Josh Beekman performed adequately as a guard and Dan Buenning is in reserve, I would still feel more comfortable with the Bears taking a bruiser for their OL in this year’s draft.

Receiver: Hester, Davis, and Bennet…Would those three names strike fear into the heart of any D coordinator in the league?  I don’t think so.  While I do believe that Devin can develop into a star at the position, his compliment isn’t currently on the roster and (likely) won’t be found in free agency.

Add to that the fact that Rashied Davis had a serious case of stone hands last year, and you have only two targets on the Bears roster that MIGHT become viable threats in the passing game.

Running back:  Here’s another area where I don’t buy what’s coming from Lovie and Jerry’s mouths.  Garret Wolfe is not the answer for spelling Matt Forte.  A Beanie Wells type runner is what the Chicago needs.  Someone that Cedric Benson was supposed to be, but never was.

Defensive Line: Jerry Angelo claims to have already made a splash in this area by signing Rod Marinelli, and if he turns the current D Line players into All Stars, I’ll be the first one in line to eat some crow. 

Somehow I just can’t get to the thought that guys who couldn’t touch the quarterback last season now magically will.  The Bears need to pick up a pass rusher that Marinelli can work on and groom from the get go.

Secondary:  I’m a big fan of Corey Graham and am getting closer to forgiving Charles Tillman for giving up a 99 yard touchdown pass.  The outlook could also be positive for Zack Bowman and Kevin Payne at strong safety; however, Craig Steltz does not inspire confidence in me.  The Bears need a ballhawk free safety who can support the run to replace Mike Brown.

Apart from the draft, I don’t see the reason to bring in a marquee quarterback when both the GM and Head coach have already put the 2009 season in the hands of the incumbent starter.

I’m well aware that there is no loyalty in this league and Kyle Orton could be out of the blue and orange in 2010, but a part of me believes that Orton could possibly provide stability at a position that hasn’t had any since Sid Luckman.  He owns the huddle.  He lowers his shoulder as he scrambles (which may or may not be the best idea). 

His throws are accurate for the most part, and any person willing to come back after almost having his foot snapped off, missing only one game, for the express purpose of helping his team win earns my respect. 

Jay Cutler would cost more than the Bears can afford to pay, and getting him would divide a locker room that needs to stay united.