Just when we thought the whole Jay Cutler fiasco had lost a little steam, we just came up with this little nugget of joy. As reported by numerous media outlets, Jay Cutler is upset with the Broncos organization and wants out of town.
“I’m upset,” Jay Cutler told The Denver Post. “I mean, I’m really shocked at this point.”
Despite continued denials from the Broncos front office, Cutler and his agent are refusing to talk to McDaniels and company.
“If they were in fact trying to trade Jay Cutler, then I think that’s a situation that’s going to cause a very serious problem for the organization,” says James Cook, Cutler’s agent.
Well, ok, let’s say the Broncos really are shopping Jay Cutler. The deal with Cassel is moot at this point, the Broncos must be looking for new suitors. We understand that the Browns have an attractive option in place. Some Broncos fans will probably ‘freak’ when they hear such a ludicrous suggestion, but hey, were you any more shocked by Shanahan getting fired or Portis being traded?
Our source tells us the players involved are: Brady Quinn and Shaun Rogers for Jay Cutler and the Broncos 3rd round draft pick.
I thought, absolutely no way when I first heard this, but, it makes sense on some level. The Broncos want to put a 3-4 defense in place in 2009, but have a huge hole in the middle of that scheme. There are no real NTs available in free agency, and the top name in the draft (BJ Raji) will most likely be gone at pick #12. Shaun Rogers has asked for his release or trade, wanting nothing to do with the Browns. Perfect match there, at least for the next couple years. Given that McDaniels and Xanders have gone after veteran defensive talent thus far (Dawkins,Goodman,etc) it makes sense on that level as well.
Now, Brady Quinn? We have heard that Mangini is not thrilled with the prospect of using Quinn. We have also heard that he covets a gun slinging, cannon armed QB to run his offense (a younger Favre), who wouldn’t really? McDaniels and Xanders recently watched a lot of tape of this past season, and no doubt poured over Quinn’s dismantling of the Bronco defense. They probably saw some of the same characteristics they saw in Cassel, decent arm (can make most throws), intelligent decisions, good pocket mobility. Again, our initial reaction was complete shock…but looking at it analytically, it kind of makes sense.
It is still early in the process, but expect to hear more about this in the weeks leading up to the draft. Keep an eye on Cutler’s relationship with the front office. If it continues down this road…keep a real close eye on BJ Raji in the Draft. If he is selected before #12….
