Jay Cutler: 4 Ideal Situations for the NFL Offseason

Jay Cutler has been the victim of much criticism throughout the NFL. Not only from writers, analysts and fans, but also from players among the NFL.

The criticism has stemmed from him allegedly "quitting" during the NFC Championship Game even though he strained his MCL.

Cutler going down in the game could be blamed due to the lack of a talented offensive line that he had to play with for the past two years. Even though it's anchored by six-time pro bowler, Olin Kreutz, the rest of the gang hasn't protected their quarterback properly.

In essence, Cutler stands alone for the entire Chicago Bear's offense. One could argue that Matt Forte, Kreutz and even Greg Olsen are right behind Jay in ranking the top offensive players for Chicago.

With an offense that lacks a true No. 1 receiver and a protective O-line, it's shocking to see that Chicago made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. It's their defense that has helped the Bears win in the past.

The entrance of Cutler has only made it better.

But one could think: "If the guys upstairs bolster the Windy City's offense this offseason, will next season be their most successful yet?"

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Sign a Wide Receiver

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before playing against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

The most obvious move the Bears can make for this offseason.

Sidney Rice should be on the top of the Bears wish list; he's a big receiver which is exactly what they need. That and he can easily be a true No. 1 receiver.

Having a little insight on what the Vikings offensive system is would be an added bonus as well.

But Rice isn't the only receiver on the market that could help out the Bears and Cutler.

Plaxico Burress is supposedly making his return to NFL after his time away from football. He too would fill the quota for a tall, No. 1 wide-out.

Why draft a receiver in the second or even first round and wait on him to develop? The Bears offense sparked up at the end of last season so keeping the fire burning is a must. 

That's not to say that the Bears shouldn't draft a receiver, but they wouldn't want to bank on him to help out and then flake on them or get injured.

Maybe they should take a chance on Randy Moss? Or not.

Re-Sign Olin Kreutz

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Olin Kreutz #57 of the Chicago Bears looks on late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

He's been the heart and soul for the Bears offensive line for 13 years now (going on his 14th season).

Kreutz and maybe even Roberto Garza are the only two players that have kept the same position on the offensive line during their stay in the Windy City.

So with a Bears line that has struggled dearly for the past two seasons with Cutler on board, keeping the anchor of the line in his place seems the most logical.

Sure, drafting an offensive tackle or guard in the first round will happen, but a veteran like Kreutz has the leadership and teaching skills to help develop that rookie into a polished lineman faster.

Draft an Offensive Lineman

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MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators reacts after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

I can tell you right now I won't be the only Bears fan infuriated beyond belief if Jerry Angelo doesn't draft an lineman with the 29th pick in the first round.

This is the first time they have a first round pick after two years without one. Why's that? Because they gave them up to bring in Mr. Cutler.

They paid a big price for him, now it's time to develop talent around him, for his and Chicago's benefits.

It would be great if Mike Pouncey (above) fell in the Bears' laps all the way at the 29th pick, but if it doesn't then they shouldn't panic. There, hopefully, should still be some stock left on the board this late in the draft, but you never know.

Nate Solder out of Colorado looks like a lineman that could be a good pick for Chicago.

A big tackle (6'8") whose quick as well—he ran a 4.97 40 time at the combine. The only issue with Solder is his weight, he's just over 300 pounds, which isn't that heavy when the kid's 6'8".

Tyron Smith would be the ideal candidate for the Bears, but it seems very unlikely that he'll drop to 29th overall.

Draft Quarterback or Sign a Young Backup

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears on the sideline in the third quarter after leaving the game with an injury against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago

This past season Cutler didn't have much competition behind him as far as backup quarterbacks go. Then again, no matter where he went one could say that he wouldn't have to worry about losing his starting job to anyone else on the depth chart.

So one could think, maybe Jay has developed his smug attitude because he know he won't be demoted to bench warmer during his time in Chicago. Let's hope that's not the case.

Bringing in a rookie quarterback, perhaps Ryan Mallett is he falls into the Bears hands in the fourth round, or a free agent quarterback (Drew Stanton, Brady Quinn) might wake Cutler up and make him more inclined to do even better and secure the number one spot.

Before everyone attacks me, I'm not saying that Cutler is lazy or arrogant, but at the same time he shouldn't think that there's no one waiting to steal his starting role. 

Also, bringing in another quarterback will add extra insurance in case the O-line injures Jay again next season.