MY TAKE ON THE JAY CUTLER DEAL

So by now it is old news that Jay Cutler has been traded to the dreaded Bears. I talked about my thoughts of possible trades to the NFC North the other day. Acquiring Jay Cutler definitely helps Chicago, but I think that they definitely slowed their all around team improvement process by making this deal:

Chicago Gets:
Jay Cutler
2009 5th Round Pick

Denver Gets:
Kyle Orton
2009 1st Round Pick
2009 3rd Round Pick
2010 1st Round Pick

So they improved at a position that has basically been a revolving door since Jim McMahon. They desperately needed a quarterback. But what about the rest of the team? By giving up two first round picks and a third round pick, they have drastically lowered the chances of actually getting a wide receiver for Cutler to throw to. Right now he has Devin Hester, a realistic number 3 receiver, as his number one option. The defense has been very questionable over the past few years, and could definitely use some new blood to regain the physicality and fear it had just a few years ago during their Super Bowl run.

They also signed Orlando Pace yesterday in an attempt to sure up the left tackle position. I'm on board with this move for Daaaa Bears. They needed somebody, and a seven time Pro Bowler can be the answer. But if I'm Jerry Angelo, I'm not done yet. They need to take a serious look into acquiring Torry Holt or Marvin Harrison. Neither is at the skill level they once were, but Angelo can't give up so much for a top-tier quarterback and then leave him out to dry with no options. Trading for Jay Cutler was a great move for the Chicagoans, but by giving up so much to acquire him, he has become just the first step in a number of moves that must be made to justify this blockbuster deal.

RIGHT ON TIME MR. SILVERSTEIN

In yesterday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Tom Silverstein wrote an article entitled "NFC North Still Has Call to Arms." While his point is well made and well taken, the news out of Denver this evening is disheartening for any Packer fan. Broncos CEO and president Pat Bowlen released the following 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."

Yes, that's right; Jay Cutler is officially on the block. And why should this concern Packer backers? BECAUSE THE OTHER TEAMS IN OUR DIVISION ALL CURRENTLY HAVE INADEQUATE NFL QUARTERBACKS ON THEIR ROSTER:

Detroit -
Daunte Culpepper - washed up.
Drew Stanton - Detroit beat writers say he'll struggle to even make the '09 roster.
Drew Henson - tenure probably over, as QB coach (same one he had at Michigan) left for South Florida

Chicago -
Kyle Orton - has a neard (neckbeard).
Caleb Hanie - wait who? What's his name?
Brett Basanez - played at Northwestern. Believed to be signed strictly "for the fanbase."

Minnesota -
Sage Rosenfels - maybe the most legitimate of all with 30 TD and 29 INT in career. Not saying much if he's the most legit.
Tarvaris Jackson - Mr. I Play OK But Will Never Be Good Enough. Or more simply, Mr. Mediocre.
John David Booty - last name says it all.

So this means, in my eyes, all three of these teams should make a play for Cutler. Likely, all three will at least make contact with the Broncos, but we can only pray that for the Packers sake, a team like the Jets or Buccaneers makes a stronger push for Cutler's services. Thank you Josh McDaniels, for coming from the dirty New England Patriots and running a franchise quarterback out of town.