Teams That Could Show Interest in Jay Cutler

Here is a list of teams that I think should investigate the time necessary to acquire disgruntled Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.

1) Detroit Lions: The Lions have never had a franchise quarterback; in fact, they have never had much of a franchise. Bringing in Cutler would be a no-brainer for a Detroit team that is trying to forget about a 0-16 season in 2008. Cutler would make the Lions an instant draw, nationally, and could go a long into bringing this muddled franchise into prominence one day. Keep in mind these are the Lions; something this obvious doesn't come easily to a team that kept Matt Millen around as GM for eight years.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have no quarterback. They tried to trade for Cutler three weeks ago in a three team deal that would have involved the New England Patriots sending Matt Cassel to Denver. That trade never got anywhere, but don't think for a moment that the Bucs won't try to revisit a deal with the Broncos. Cutler would take some pressure off their young head coach in his first season.

3) New York Jets: With Brett Favre's retirement, the Jets are exactly where they were last summer with large questions at the quarterback position. Kellen Clemens was underwhelming in his lone season as a starter in 2007, and Brett Ratliff is a virtual unknown. This leaves Gang Green with no quarterback after they have spent most of the off-season stocking up on prime free agents.

Cutler's agent is Bus Cook, the same agent for Brett Favre, so New York may have an advantage there, but may lack the nessecary resources to pull off a trade that would satisfy the Denver party.

4) Cleveland Browns: Browns coach Eric Mangini was high on Cutler when he came out of college in 2006. Mangini and the Jets were very close to picking Cutler that year but opted for tackle D'Brickshaw Fergeson. With Mangini in Cleveland he may see this as an opportunity to get the guy he always wanted. Mangini has a good trading card in Brady Quinn, a swap of Cutler for Quinn is probably the most logical and least painful for both the Broncos and Browns.

5) Chicago Bears: Unless the Bears are satisfied with Kyle Orton as their starter for the second straight season, the Bears should consider bringing in Cutler. Cutler's fastball is strong enough to break through the stiff November and December winds and would make the Bears favorites in the NFC.

6) San Francisco 49ers: Shaun Hill did a nice job for the 49ers down the stretch of 2008, but if they want to take the next step, then trading for Cutler is a brilliant move. The 49ers made division rival Arizona sweat when they offered Kurt Warner a big contract but failed to lure the MVP to the bay. Cutler would be a boon to a young 49er team that is getting close to contending in the AFC West.