Chicago Bears sign QB Cutler to 7-year deal
The Chicago Bears signed Jay Cutler to a seven-year contract Thursday, ending speculation that they might make a change at quarterback after five seasons.
Cutler acknowledged that his Bears’ tenure has had its low points, but he clearly thrived under first-year coach Marc Trestman and now has some of the best complements on offence he’s had since arriving in Chicago in 2009.
“It’s not always been easy,” Cutler said. “There’s been some ups and downs. There’s been some bad years there’s been some good years. I think it makes me appreciate the moment I’m in even more, with the offensive weapons we have, with the type of leadership we have from the front office, with the type of coaching staff we have with the play calling and our (offensive) install. It makes me happy I’m here.”
The Bears also said they had signed cornerback Tim Jennings and guard Matt Slauson to fouryear deals. Like Cutler, both players were scheduled to become free agents.
General manager Phil Emery said the team and Cutler’s agent completed contract discussions three days after the season ended Sunday with a 33-28 loss to the Green Bay Packers in a game that decided the NFC North title.
Terms were not disclosed, but the deal for the 30-year-old Cutler is reportedly worth nearly $18 million per year over the first three years and includes at least $50 million guaranteed.
Cutler produced his careerbest passer rating of 89.2 in 2013, although he played in just 11 games due to ankle and groin injuries. He completed 224 of 355 passes for 2,621 yards and 19 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.