No April Fools: Chicago Bears Trade For Jay Cutler and Sign Orlando Pace

The Chicago Bears have been trying to fill their void at quarterback since Jim McMahon left town, but today they might have finally found someone to fill that void, Jay Cutler.

Cutler was acquired from the Denver Broncos for a first round pick in 2009 (pick 18), a first round pick in 2010, quarterback Kyle Orton and a third round pick in 2009. 

It is quite a hefty price for a player that has only been a starter for two years and has compiled a record of 17-20. The problem for Cutler in Denver has been his defense, who had been unable to stop opposing teams offenses. 

Even though the Bears have given up a lot of future picks, I believe the Bears will be fine as they have not drafted very well in recent years and it is rare that a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback becomes available. 

Although the Bears have acquired Cutler, they still have many holes to fill such as their tackle positions and wide receiver, but GM Jerry Angelo made sure that his newly acquired quarterback was well protected next season. Angelo did this by signing pro-bowl left tackle Orlando Pace. 

Pace was a salary cap casualty of the St. Louis Rams this off-season and the Bears made sure to jump on him as they saw the left tackle position a glaring need.

The Bears first round pick from last season, tackle Chris Williams, will move to the right tackle position, a place that he might be able to be more effective. 

The one red flag that Pace brings to the Bears organization is his health, he has missed quite a few games over the last three years because of injury. The Bears management seem to think that his health his fine and will be able to help the Bears in 2009 and beyond.

Although I will not go as far as to say the Chicago Bears are the favorites in the NFC North because they still do not have a top receiver for Cutler to throw the ball to and their defense is getting old fast.

If the Bears can acquire a receiver for Cutler—maybe Tory Holt—and get some young talent from the draft, then the the Bears will be a team that will make some noise in 2009.