From Bronco To Bear: Cutler Headed to Chicago

The bizarrely compelling saga of Jay Cutler and the Broncos has finally met its end. Denver has sent the disgruntled quarterback to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton, a first- and third-round pick in 2009, and a first-round pick in 2010.

Denver gets a fresh start with Kyle Orton, and a great opportunity to rebuild their pitiful defense.

Cutler, meanwhile, goes to a much better defensive team with a downgrade in the receivers department. He was 13-1 in his career when Denver allowed 21 points or less, a silver lining in his cloudy 17-20 record in Denver.

His passing yards stand to take a hit with Devin Hester replacing Brandon Marshall as his top wide receiver target, but with Matt Forte in the fold as a receiving threat his touchdowns could remain the same.

Orton will probably do well in Josh McDaniels’ system, but it would be hard not to think of him as a bridge to the next QB the Broncos draft.

The Bears also acquired OT Orlando Pace, agreeing to a three-year deal with the veteran Pro Bowl lineman. It was an overall productive day for the Bears’ present and the Broncos’ future.

Denver will likely take a defensive player with this year’s 18th overall pick they received from the Bears. Possible choices include one of the three USC linebackers available: Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, and Brian Cushing.

Denver also still holds the 12th overall pick, with which they could also take a defensive player like CB Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State or DE Robert Ayers of Tennessee.

Cutler has some serious questions to answer in 2009 about his maturity and consistency. Knowing him, he may enter the locker room expecting the utmost respect from his teammates, but as Orton’s replacement he will need to earn it.

One question he will not have to answer, however, is whether he has the talent to succeed.

Fans of Cutler in Denver can have this video courtesy of BroncosTV to remember him by:

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What Others Are Saying About The Jay Cutler Trade:

• Denver Post: Broncos Fans Vent Their Feelings
• Steve Rosenbloom: Angelo Got His Quarterback
• Peter King: Cutler May Regret Leaving Denver
• Pete Prisco: Bears Getting Franchise QB is ‘Priceless’
• Jamie Dukes: Cutler Trade a ‘Huge Gamble’
• Jim Donaldson: Cutler Deal ‘Bear-ly Comprehensible’

Posted in football Tagged: chicago bears, denver broncos, draft, first-round, football, jay cutler, kyle orton, nfl, orlando pace, pick, third-round, trade