Jay Cutler Opts To Join FOX As Analyst

It turned out the best landing spot for Jay Cutler was actually in the booth.

The former Bears and Broncos quarterback will join FOX next season as an analyst alongside Charles Davis. He will take over the hole left by John Lynch.

"“I don’t feel that anyone ever really retires from the NFL,” said Cutler in a statement. “You are either forced to leave, or you lose the desire to do what’s required to keep going. I’m in between those situations at this point in my life.”"

Implications

Cutler faced a softer market than expected this offseason after he was released by the Bears in March. According to Ian Rapoport, Cutler received little interest from NFL teams this offseason, even as a backup.

Cutler follows Tony Romo as the second longtime starting quarterback to move into broadcasting this offseason.

This process moved remarkably quickly. Reports that Cutler would be auditioning for FOX surfaced just yesterday. He was named their next analyst today.

Cutler’s first game, strongly enough, will be the preseason tilt between the Titans and Bears on August 27.

The much-maligned quarterback played for 12 years in the NFL. Drafted in the first round in 2006, Cutler threw for 32,467 career passing yards and 208 touchdowns. He was named to one Pro Bowl and started two playoff games.

If this is the end of his NFL career it could best be described as disappointing. He had all the arm talent in the word, but failed to perfect the finer points of the quarterback position. However, it’s fair to wonder how his career would’ve turned out if he didn’t land in Chicago.

The Bears didn’t do a great job surrounding Cutler with top-level talent. It started with poor offensive line play which often resulted in Cutler running for his life. He also had a few seasons where Devin Hester was considered his top receiver.