Wrong answer
Jets should say ‘nay’ to Jay
IT IS no secret that the Jets need a quarterback … badly. So, whenever a quarterback shakes free this offseason, the natural question is going to be: Are the Jets interested? ESPN reported Tuesday that the Bears actively are shopping Jay Cutler, which has been expected for a while. Chances are the Bears won’t be able to get a trade done for the 33-year-old, who has four years left on his contract. Instead, the Bears probably will end up cutting Cutler. Should the Jets be interested? Let’s take a look:
Three reasons they should want Cutler
1The Jets hired Jeremy Bates to be their quarterbacks coach a few weeks ago. Bates worked with Cutler in Denver and Chicago, and reportedly is close to Cutler. Whenever teams start looking at acquiring players, it is important to look at personal connections. The Jets traded for Brandon Marshal l two years ago partly because they felt comfortable with him because head coach Todd Bowles knew him from the Dolphins.
2 Have you looked at the available quarterbacks? None of them is going to make you think of Joe Montana. Cutler would be the most accomplished quarterback on the market, until the Cowboys decide to part ways with Tony Romo.
In 201 5, Cutler threw for 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Jets would sign up for a season like that. Cutler’s arm strength is legendary, and he can throw on the move.
3 This whole 2017 Jets season is going to be interesting because of the dichotomy between the futures of Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan. Bowles needs to win this season to keep his job, but Maccagnan may be looking to build for the future rather than focusing on the short-term. Bowles needs a quarterback who can win games in 2017. Cutler is a Band-Aid, not a long-term solution at the position. Bowles
may be looking for that kind of a Band-Aid, though.
Three reasons they should stay away from Cutler
1 Cutler does not have a reputation for being a great teammate. The Jets had problems last year in the locker room that need to be fixed this offseason. Adding Cutler to the mix might be a disaster.
2 Brandon Marshall still is on the Jets’ roster. He and Cutler did not end on good terms in Chicago. Marshall has taken repeated digs at Cutler over the past two years. It is hard to see these two guys getting along for an entire season. After campaigning for Ryan Fitzpatrick last season, Marshall said he is out of the GM business, but I can’t see Marshall being thrilled if the Jets decided to bring in Cutler.
3 Why would Cutler want to come to the Jets? Shortly after it was reported he was being shopped by the Bears, there was another report that said he will control where he goes by threatening to retire if he does not want to play for a team. It is hard to see Cutler, at 33, wanting to play for the rebuilding Jets.
VERDICT
The Jets should stay away from Cutler, and I think they will. This is a marriage that makes no sense for either side.