One of the bigger decisions at hand for the Chicago Bears going into this 2017 off-season is what to do with Jay Cutler. The 33-year old quarterback failed to capitalize on his last chance with the team in 2016. He endured more of the injury problems and erratic play that marked most of his time here. Now the feeling is stronger than ever that the front office and coaching staff may be looking for the exit door from him.
The question is how? Most are assuming GM Ryan Pace will reach the conclusion to cut him some time before the new league year begins in March. However, some are holding out hope that a taker might be found for a possible trade. In spite of his inconsistent track record, Cutler is still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. There has to be at least one team out there who might be willing to take a risk on him for modest compensation.
Thus far the possibilities are significant stretches, either due to money concerns or him just not being the best fit. That may be changing though. A recent development with the Arizona Cardinals makes that the case as word is coming out quarterback Carson Palmer is considering retirement.
“The season for the Cardinals has been over for several weeks, but a huge part of their future still hangs in the balance. As Super Bowl LI approaches and most teams are deep in planning for 2017, Arizona’s brass still don’t have an answer on whether quarterback Carson Palmer or wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will return for 2017 or retire.
Both are contemplating walking away and have been for some time. Neither has told the team if he plans to return, though both Palmer and Fitzgerald have had frequent conversations with coaches and team decision-makers about it, sources said.”
It’s important to remember that Palmer is 37-years old. His team is coming off a rather difficult season, finishing 7-8-1. This after going to the NFC championship the year before. As players get older, enduring such disappointments becomes magnified. Are they willing to put their bodies through the grind for another year when it looks like the team may have peaked? It’s not an easy decision, and one Palmer seems to be contemplating.
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Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 Phoenix dropped an interesting bomb shell that, while not definitive certainly sets the stage for a Palmer exit.
Very interesting: @mikejurecki just told me Carson Palmer has listed his home for sale, pulled kids out of school and moved out of state.
— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) January 31, 2017
If that is indeed the case, then the Cardinals are in a serious dilemma. They don’t have a top 10 pick to become a major player for a quarterback in the draft. They also aren’t heavy on cap space either. With Fitzgerald possibly leaving on top of that? It makes their argument for luring in a good free agent even harder. That is why the trade route may be their best bet.
