Possibilities

Let's explore some interesting possibilities that might arise from the whole Cutler fiasco.

First, let's examine what Cutler is actually giving up in demanding a trade. Cutler is giving up the chance to work with a brilliant play-caller. Like it or not, McDaniels is one of the finest offensive minds in the NFL right now. He's a sophomoric team manager, but he's the closest thing to an offensive genius in a league that is dominated by conservative playcalling and punishing defenses. Cassel is the the perfect example of this: an average QB with no NFL experience spent one year with Cassel and put up legitimate numbers, became a franchise player, and earned marquee status. Damn. Imagine what someone with an arm like Cutler might accomplish with Josh McDaniels calling the plays.

Instead, if he is traded, he'll go play in Detroit where he'll have to throw it to Calvin Johnson who will be in double-coverage for the rest of his career. Or maybe he'll end up in Tampa Bay throwing to Kellen Winslow when he isn't hurt. Chicago is another possibility, though their receiving corps has no one of significant talent. I'll admit that Cleveland is an interesting possibility with Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth, but coach Mangini couldn't get to the playoffs with Brett Favre running the show, and they're years away from being a legitimate contender anyway. One final possibility is Tennessee, and I'll buy you lunch if you can name one of their receivers right now. Anyone? Didn't think so. Plus they lost Haynesworth, so they'll be mired in mediocrity for another couple of seasons.

No matter where Cutler is traded, he will find the going rough, at least for several seasons until his new team can build around him. But what about the Broncos? What will life be like without Cutler? Will the Broncos find success with a new "face of the organization?" It all depends on the replacement. Recent free agent acquisition Chris Simms has the mental ability to be an above-average game-manager, but his physical skills alone won't win the Broncos any games. If our defense and our running game were solid, Simms just might be okay for a season or two. However, our run game lacks the intimidation and track record of success that defined it for so many seasons, and our defense is a shambles until they prove otherwise. Simms is a perfectly fine backup, though, and I hope he thrives in that role.

Potentially interesting trade partners include the Cleveland Browns. I like Derek Anderson, but he's had one strong season, and I'm not sure that makes him a great fit for the Broncos. Plus, he seems to be injury prone. However, if he could operate behind a solid offensive line, which we have, and throw to guys who actually catch the ball, he might thrive. Brady Quinn is certainly intriguing (especially if would could get Quinn and a high draft pick or two). He's young, athletic, and could be great in the complicated system that McDaniels will install. Or he could be the next David Carr - it's hard to say.

The Lions don't really have a tradeable QB, but they have several first round draft picks. The problem with those picks is that they would require giving a rookie guaranteed money and committing to the rookie for at least 2-3 years before seeing results (Matt Ryan in Atlanta is the exception to the rule, and Joe Flacco in Baltimore got to play with a top-5 defense). McDaniels believes he can compete right away, and given the state of the AFC West he has a valid point. The Lions might try to get Cutler in some sort of three-way deal, but I can't see too many teams willing to part with a proven veteran.

Then there's the almost-there Bears. They would love to get their hands on Cutler and could offer Kyle Orton, if nothing else a servicable veteran presence, and possibly even a draft pick. Orton is a decent option, especially if he comes with Tommie Harris, or one of the Bears linebackers, and a draft pick. But let's be serious for moment. After all, it's Kyle Orton. He's just not the type of guy you envision hoisting the Lombardi trophy.

About the only interesting option in this giant mess is Vince Young, and he's a psychological catastrophe waiting to happen. I'm envisioning the tennis meltdown scene in The Royal Tenenbaums only at the 50-yard line at Mile Hi. Young is a great athlete who can play with intelligence when he's not the only offensive weapon. Plus, he's looking to rejuvinate a career that gave way to Kerry Collins. If anyone needs redemption, it's Young (and possibly Michael Vick, but there's no way Bowlen would sign off on that one).

Finally, there's the possibility that the Broncos won't trade Cutler, that he'll report to camp in April, and all this silliness will just melt away. Cutler will win 10 games under McDaniels in the first year (supposing that Brandon Marshall isn't sitting at home wearing the dunce cap for 8 games). In year two, the slightly less mediocre 3-4 scheme coached by a dapper Mike Nolan, alongside an efficiently creative offense helmed by Cutler will go 12-4 and make it past the first round of the playoffs, prompting us all to forget this crazy little interlude and rejoice in happy quarterback times.