Even without serious competition from a backup, the Broncos had themselves a quarterback controversy Friday.
Jay Cutler, the Broncos' starting quarterback, the franchise, the one player who carried all hope for a greater future, believes his days with the team are numbered — even after a proposed deal that would have sent him to Tampa Bay and Matt to Denver never materialized.
"My understanding at this point is they're trying to trade me," Cutler said this afternoon. "We'll see where I end up at. I liked it here, I liked playing with these guys but obviously they're not going to let me have that opportunity."
The deal had Tampa Bay trying to acquire Cutler in exchange for a first-round draft pick. In turn, the Broncos would have traded the first-round draft pick to New England in exchange for quarterback Matt .
McDaniels was the Patriots' offensive coordinator last season when he helped guide , a career-long backup, to an 11-5 record and 89.4 passer rating that ranked 10th in the league.
It may be important to note, Tampa Bay initiated the deal. And they weren't the only team that inquired about acquiring Cutler.
"He's not the only person in the last few days we've received
calls on," McDaniels said. "We've received trade calls on a number of
players, which is not uncommon this time of the year. I also think the
sensitivity of the other trade that was occurring, with my relationship
with New England and the whole thing, I think that stirred the pot even more."
