Bears, Cutler reach contract extension through 2013

[Posey H8er]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football ... 09.article

The Jay Cutler era was lengthened by at least two more seasons Tuesday when the Bears reached a contract extension with the quarterback that will keep him in Chicago through 2013.

The deal ranks Cutler fifth among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks behind Eli and Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers.

[fleet]

Cutler, acquired in April after forcing an offseason trade from Denver, will get $20 million of the nearly $30 million extension guaranteed in the form of bonus money.

It’s a win-win deal for both sides. Cutler, 26, is still under contract through 2011 on the six-year, $47.86 million rookie deal he signed with the Broncos. Now he gets an early payday, with the prospect of being back on the open market as a 30 year-old with a chance for another huge deal. If things work out as the team hopes, it can give Cutler another big extension at that point.

The deal works well for the Bears because they effectively move up a $12 million roster bonus that Cutler was scheduled to receive in 2011, while adding two more seasons at what projects to be a very competitive rate for a franchise quarterback, given the amount of money the position has commanded in recent months.

With salary-cap space to burn, the Bears will give Cutler cash under this year’s cap and presumably reserve money in the next few years to build their team around a cornerstone player.

ehhh.... did someone say cornerstone player? I suppose you can buy one of those on the free market once in awhile. Don't know if you can count on that in NFL football. But doable. I hope they just buy a gang of stud behemoth offensive linemen instead. Build around your O line group since you ostensibly have your future D line already in place.

[IbreakNeckZ101]

hopefully he matures and the next few years and starts realizing he cannot throw interceptions when we're at the red zone.

[NoSkyy]

hopefully he matures and the next few years and starts realizing he cannot throw interceptions when we're at the red zone.

Yeah and while he's at it I hope he teaches Forte how not to fumble on the endzone.

[fisher]

hopefully he matures and the next few years and starts realizing he cannot throw interceptions when we're at the red zone.

Do you think Cutler doesn't realize this? He doesn't throw picks on purpose (at least I hope not).

[SportsWorld]

Hopefully Cutler can learn to block for himself as well.

[WEFFPIM]

Might as well work on finding seams up the middle, too.

[SpinninHouse]

Hopefully Cutler can learn to block for himself as well.

hahahaha...ah that brought a smile to my face. but seriously i'm happy to have Jay. it's a win-win. we're going to war with Jay and I'm pleased. now if we could just get him some pass protection we'll be all set. it's still a weird feeling having such a good QB. it's exciting to see him gel with Bennett, Hester, Knox, Olsen, and Desmond Clark. in 2010 and 2011 they could be really tough to stop.

[chitownsports4ever]

Nice financial deal for the Bears providing some nice flexibility as well. Now lets hope we get a new OC and start rebuilding that line properly

[Howling Mad]

Great. This deal really assures me Jay wants to be here. Very organization friendly deal. Now win us a super bowl.

[WEFFPIM]

Great. This deal really assures me Jay wants to be here. Very organization friendly deal. Now win us a super bowl.

But no pressure!

[Balance-a-Bull]

Nice financial deal for the Bears providing some nice flexibility as well. Now lets hope we get a new OC and start rebuilding that line properly

++++++++++++1!

This must be the next plan of action.

[Kyle Ortman]

hopefully he matures and the next few years and starts realizing he cannot throw interceptions when we're at the red zone.

I take it that you're one of the most intelligent Bears fans on this forum.