Rocky, Manipulated Exit

In 2001, 2005, and 2006, the Chicago Bears won division championships. Jim Miller, Kyle Orton, and Rex Grossman were those season’s starting quarterbacks.

On Thursday, the Denver Broncos traded Jay Cutler and a fifth round selection to the Bears. As reciprocation, the Broncos received Orton, two first round selections (2009 & 2010), and a third round selection (2009). “We felt that Cutler is a very good person, a good leader,” said Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo. “He had some things that happened in Denver. We recognized those, but we treated them as just speed bumps, part of the growing process. He's highly competitive, he's highly emotional. That just comes with the territory.”

During his press conference, Cutler addressed critics. “I think in time, everyone will get a clearer picture of what I'm about on and off the field,” said Cutler. “Whenever you make this decision, you either have to go at it full speed or not at all because there's going to be some stuff out there that's said that might not be true.”

Brian Urlacher’s reaction was skeptical. “I guess the Bears felt like we needed another quarterback, so they made a move,” he said. “They gave up a lot. Cutler must be pretty good. I guess we got better as a team. You get a quarterback who is a Pro Bowl guy. But I will say this: I think Kyle Orton is a good quarterback. He's a great teammate. I hope he does really well in Denver.”

The Bears also signed Orlando Pace. “We really feel that it gives us a very good offensive line,” said Angelo. “We've had some real good success with veteran players -- John Tait, Fred Miller, Ruben Brown -- and we felt that Orlando is the same. Obviously, he's a potential Hall of Fame player. He expressed to us on his visit that he wants to continue to play, and he feels that his health is as good as it's been in awhile.”

During his career, Cutler has completed 762 of 1.220 passes for 9,024 yards with 54 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. In 2008, Cutler completed 384 of 616 passes for 4,526 yards with 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

During his career, Orton has completed 505 of 913 passes for 5,319 yards with 30 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. In 2008, Orton completed 272 of 465 passes for 2,972 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Appreciation is imperative. Appreciation encourages, ingratiates, reassures, and stabilizes. Cutler is a first round selection. He is a franchise cornerstone. He merits consideration and respect. Denver offered manipulation and scorn.