Bears get Jay Cutler and a 5th Rounder this year
Broncos get Kyle Orton, a 1st and 3rd Rounder this year and a 1st Rounder next year
Now there are a lot of teams that needed to try to trade for Cutler and the Bears were definitely high on that list. But I think they gave up waaaay too much for Cutler here, even if he does do well in Chi town. In 2 ways.
For one, 2 1st round picks and a third rounder are nothing to laugh at. Granted you've got to actually sign those picks, but the Broncos have a solid WR corps, a decent when not injured TE and a stable of RBs and will use most/all of those picks on defense most likely. The Bears now don't have a pick in the first round, and I know that a lot of Chicago hopefuls like to imagine that the team is a proven QB away from contention, but the Bears could use a WR or two besides Devin freakin Hester. At least they don't need as much defensive help, though the defense is getting older and Mike Brown is gone this year.
For two, Kyle Orton is a pretty decent QB (and an even better professional drinker). Everyone seems to remember him as the rookie who won a bunch of games thanks to his defense in 2005. Well the man's grown a lot (in maturity and in beard) over the past 3 years and actually threw 18 touchdowns last year despite terrible wide receivers. Cutler threw 25 to Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and other good wide outs. I think you could expect a higher total number of touchdowns from Orton this year if he wins the job over Chris Simms (which he should), especially with Royal's continued maturity. As for Cutler, slight decline in touchdown passes as the Bears are a run first team and will remain so even with their new franchise QB since Hester is their top target.
Cutler IS the better quarterback. But was the switch from Orton to Cutler worth 2 1st Rounders and a 3rd on top of that? I don't think so. We'll see how it plays out, but my view of this trade is that the Broncos won out (unless of course Devin Hester becomes the next Jerry Rice).
Jay Cutler Trade Analysis - Broncos Robbin' Da Bears
