Will Jay Cutler Steer the Chicago Bears Free...

Just when outsiders think they have the strategy for the Chicago Bears figured out, another beat writer offers a completely different list of priorities. Is Jay Cutler the one person who can and should sort the mess out in March?

Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall head a list of possible Chicago targets

For three years Cutler has hinted he prefers throwing to big wide receivers that can fight for a football. Jerry Angelo didn't listen and he lost his job as general manager. Now Phil Emery comes in, knowing the city has little confidence in him and screaming for the Bears to spend some money and give Jay the weapons he needs. The 2012 free agent wide receiver class is among the deepest in recent memory. While Emery has offered no hint at whom the team will pursue on March 13th, he has said "playmakers" top the list. Two names that fit both Emery's and Cutler's criteria are San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson and Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall.

Jackson stands 6'5'' with enough speed to give any team a downfield threat. He also showcased his talents by scorching the Bears defense for 169 yards and a touchdown during the regular season. Marshall is 6'4'' and has experience catching Cutler passes back in Denver. What makes things murky is the contract situations. Marshall still has two years left on his deal with Miami, meaning the Bears would have to trade for him and probably surrender at least a first round draft pick. Jackson has repeatedly said he deserves to get paid like a top receiver in the NFL and would certainly demand top dollar, something Chicago rarely does. Angelo wouldn't have done that for Jay Cutler.

Money isn't a major roadblock for the Chicago Bears, but needs on defense are. Angelo also struggled to put a consistent pass rusher next to Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers. The Detroit Lions are having salary cap issues and may have to part ways with 25-year-old defensive end Cliff Avril. Next to Mario Williams, Avril is the best pass rusher in free agency and could be a worthy buy both for his skills and his youth. Taking him away from an NFC North division rival wouldn't hurt either. However, making that move would almost guarantee the Bears have no chance at getting a high-value receiver.

A number of other factors also play against Jay not having much say in any possible signings. His fiancÃ©e Kristin Cavallari is pregnant and expects their first child this offseason. Cutler will have his hands full planning for that and the wedding to follow. Also, backfield mate Matt Forte has demanded a long-term contract from the Bears since last year and any signing Jay pushes on management would almost certainly affect any deal Forte can make. The running back was by far the best offensive player Chicago had next to Cutler and angering him would only make life tougher for an already struggling offense.

Jay Cutler showed he's smart enough to change and adapt. He might come across aloof and surly, but he knows what it takes to win. The Chicago Bears have an excellent chance for redemption in 2012 and it starts with free agency. Will they pay up for Vincent Jackson or trade for Brandon Marshall? Is Cliff Avril on their radar? How do Kristin Cavallari and Matt Forte play parts in Cutler's mindset? All answers will have to wait until March 13th, and Bears fans must settle for speculating.

Comments: 4

Emdadur Rahman Feb 12, 2012, 8:47pm UTC

It would be great for Cutler to get a WR like Vincent Jackson or his old teammate Brandon Marshall, but I think the number one priority for the Bears is to improve the offensive line. Cutler has been getting hit way too much in Chicago.

Erik Lambert Feb 12, 2012, 9:40pm UTC

Believe me, I imagine Emery has the line at the top of his list, but you can't forget a number of factors. This isn't the Martz offense anymore. This is Mike Tice, an offensive line coach who knows protecting the quarterback is paramount. He'll simplify the offense, make blocking schemes easier. The line will also benefit from Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi returning healthy, which should give the unit more stability. You also can't ignore the fact that a number of sacks happened because the receivers couldn't get open. Wide receiver has to be top priority. If they must invest another draft pick, I'd go no higher than the third round. I'd save at least two high picks for the defense and one for a wide receiver. The young talent corps of the Bears has shifted to Forte and Cutler now, and the team should do all it can to help them.

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Ali Hussein Lopez Feb 13, 2012, 12:43pm UTC

The Bears will never put up with Marshall's act. He's a beast of a receiver, but he's been a problem wherever he's landed. Jackson would be an interesting pick, but San Diego can franchise him, and probably will.

Erik Lambert Feb 13, 2012, 1:23pm UTC

I also think Dwayne Bowe won't be leaving Kansas City. Welker is getting too old and the market will be too thick for Manningham if he doesn't re-sign with the Giants. That's why I would go after Robert Meachem. The Saints are thick at receiver and must focus on getting Brees, Nicks and Colston back. That leaves Meachem on the outside looking in. He's not quite a Jackson or Marshall, but together with a first round pick I think the Bears can revamp that receiving corps into something formidable.

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Will Jay Cutler Steer the Chicago Bears Free Agent Hunt?

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