There is probably no figure in Chicago Bears history with a more complicated legacy than Jay Cutler. On the one hand, he is undeniably the most talented quarterback ever to play the position for this franchise. He departed with every notable passing record and got them to an NFC championship game in 2010. Unfortunately, he also threw a lot of interceptions, didn’t come across as the best leader, and always seemed surrounded by controversies. He wasn’t perfect but tough, resilient, and pulled off some magical moments. That is why Jerry Angelo refuses to call his decision to trade for Cutler a bust.
The former Bears GM sent the Denver Broncos a large package of draft picks, including multiple 1st rounders, for the 26-year-old quarterback in 2009. He felt the team was missing high-level play at the position. Kyle Orton was a solid player but had limitations as a passer. They needed somebody to carry the team to wins when the defense didn’t have it. Cutler had just gone to the Pro Bowl. Everything about the move felt right. So why didn’t it work out? Angelo spoke to Dan McNeil on The Danny Mac podcast where he offered his honest opinion on the matter.
It didn’t come down to Cutler himself but the situation around him.
What Angelo says is true. The Bears operated with subpar receivers through the first three seasons Cutler was the starter. They were a mix of Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, and Roy Williams. Tight end Greg Olsen was their best target, and they traded him to Carolina in 2011 because offensive coordinator Mike Martz couldn’t find any use for him. Far from a stellar group. By the time the team finally started figuring out the problem, it was too late. They traded for Brandon Marshall, drafted Alshon Jeffery in 2012, and then signed Martellus Bennett in 2013. Sadly, the defense had grown too old and began falling apart.
Jerry Angelo wasted those precious first three years believing the Bears had enough firepower to make do. That assumption was horribly exposed after Cutler broke his thumb in 2011, ending his year. The offense completely fell apart, with the receivers unable to help carry backup Caleb Hanie. Angelo paid for that with his job. By the sound of it, if he could do it over again, he’d be far more active in trying to find Cutler help. He had opportunities.
Chicago had Mike Wallace on the board in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft. They took Jarron Gilbert instead. The 2nd round pick in 2010 they traded for Gaines Adams ended up becoming Rob Gronkowski. A round later, they took Major Wright instead of Emmanuel Sanders. Angelo was so focused on trying to keep the defense strong that he missed multiple golden opportunities to get his quarterback help.
