Where Should Jay Cutler Be Traded?

According to ESPN.com, it is official: Jay Cutler will be traded by the Denver Broncos. 

Owner Pat Bowlen issued this statement:

“Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by Head Coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful. A conversation with his agent earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded.”

Now with the rumors put away, it is time to see where Cutler really fits. 

Here are the top five teams that should try to trade for Cutler:

1. Detroit Lions

Why not just trade for a proven, but still young quarterback?  He is under contract so there is no need to renegotiate a new one, and you avoid having to work out a deal with a possible No. 1 pick like Matthew Stafford. 

So what would they have to give up for Cutler? 

Obviously, they have the No. 1 pick, but they also have the 20th overall pick. Will they ask for the first overall pick and select Stafford? 

Or would they trade for the 20th overall pick and a guy like Ernie Sims and draft someone like Josh Freeman?

2. New York Jets

Perfect fit for the Jets.  All they are really missing is a quarterback, and this would bring in a guy who can lead this franchise to the playoffs. 

What would they be able to trade for Cutler? 

Probably an offering of their first round pick, 17th overall, and maybe their second or third round pick as well.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Another team who is a quarterback away from being very dangerous. 

Again, they would more than likely have to trade away their first round pick at 22nd overall, along with either their second or third round pick as well. 

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A team in a rebuilding type mode, but with Cutler they would be a contender. 

They have the 19th overall pick in the draft, and I'm sure the Broncos would want that in return, along with a second or third round pick. 

5. Cleveland Browns

They have two guys worthy of starting; therefore, the Broncos can grab one of them in return along with a second round pick.

I would say they would go for Brady Quinn and a second round pick. Quinn hasn't been able to fully blossom into a starting role yet, so he may still show he is a solid quarterback in this league. 

Other teams who would benefit by trading for Cutler include the Rams and 49ers, but I don't believe he will be traded to either of them.  

At the end of the day, I believe Jay Cutler will be traded to the New York Jets.  I think they will be willing to give up as much as the Broncos will want in return. 

It may turn into a trade involving more than these two teams, but I see Cutler being a Jet at the end of it.