The New York Jets
More recent of the two, this is actually an older idea fans have tried to get going for months. Most of the Cutler-to-Jets hype centered around the simple connections he shared with former teammates Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte. New York seems to have gotten some good juice out of veteran Bears in recent years. Thomas Jones 10 years ago. Marshall in 2015. Forte last year.
This team has well-documented quarterback woes. Ryan Fitzpatrick crashed back to earth. Bryce Petty failed his audition. Christian Hackenberg might still be their future but many rumors indicate he’s still far from ready. Cutler could represent a nice bridge option until that changes. Even so, those were flimsy connections to start with.
That may be about to change according to MMQB columnist and NFL insider Albert Breer.
Per sources, the Jets are targeting ex-Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to be their new quarterbacks coach.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 6, 2017
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This is a fascinating twist because Bates, as it turns out has a bit of a history with Cutler. A good portion of it being the productive kind.
Could we see a Cutler-Bates reunion in New York next year? The two worked together in one of Cutler's best seasons in Denver. https://t.co/TFeGGi8hXU
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) February 6, 2017
Bates was also with the Bears for a year in 2012 as quarterbacks coach. Cutler wasn’t overly prolific on the stat sheet but he did go 10-5 as a starter. So it’s safe the say the two have had some success together. If the Jets are indeed looking for a short-term fix until they can get a younger QB ready, then this isn’t a bad idea. Especially if they plan to dump Marshall, what with he and Cutler having a falling out prior to his exit from Chicago.
