Finally, after weeks of the Cutler/Broncos drama getting played out in the media, it looks like we finally have some closure on the horizon. The website cbs4denver.com is reporting that the Broncos have traded Jay Cutler and a 5th round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for 1st and 3rd round picks in this year’s draft as well as their 1st rounder NEXT year. On top of the plethora of draft picks, the Bears are also throwing in Kyle Orton—so the Broncos will have a starting quarterback next season.
Cutler finally has his wish: Goodbye Denver; Hello Chicago
For someone who had allegedly destroyed his trade value in recent weeks, that looks like a great trade for the Broncos. Their 8-8 season showed that they have a bunch of glaring weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. This trade will allow them to build a foundation through the draft. Coming from New England, we know that Josh McDaniels would love to get his hands on as many draft picks as possible.
This has to feel like he’s hit the lottery. He’s getting rid his biggest headache of the last month, he’s getting a quarterback that has always been regarded as one of the smarter signal callers in the league (who should thrive in a Patriots-type offense) AND he’s getting a bunch of high end draft picks in the deal. I sincerely doubt he could have asked for anything more.
As for the Bears, they have to think that they have a team that is close to making a move THIS year. By giving up so much of their future in the trade, it looks like they want to see what their team is capable of this season. With a good, but aging defense, they want a quarterback to go with Matt Forte to score points. They better be right, because this is a hell of a price to pay in a win-now mode.
There’s an idea that whoever gets the best player in the trade—wins the trade. In basketball and hockey, that mostly holds true. In football, with 52 guys on the roster every week, I’m less inclined to subscribe to this theory. (Hershel Walker anyone?) Well, if we ever wanted a case study to test the theory, this will be it. As it stands today, people in Denver should feel like they’re a mile high!
Matt Reitz is the Editor-In-Chief here at ViewFromMySeats.com and former NHL Writer for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports. When he’s not shoving a mic in the face of NHLers or explaining why home teams should wear white, he’s usually trying to figure out what song to play next on his iPod. It’s a never-ending job.
