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  • Jay Cutler looks to make a pass against the Vikings...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks to make a pass against the Vikings during the first half on Oct. 31, 2016 at Soldier Field.

  • Jay Cutler prepares to take the field before the first...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler prepares to take the field before the first half against the Vikings at Soldier Field on Oct. 31, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler throws a pass during minicamp at Halas Hall.

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler throws a pass during minicamp at Halas Hall.

  • Jay Cutler leads a drill during the first day of...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler leads a drill during the first day of Bears' mandatory minicamp on June 14, 2016 at Halas Hall.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler slides in the first half of...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler slides in the first half of a preseason game against the Chiefs at Soldier Field on August 27, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler celebrates as running back Matt Forte scores a...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler celebrates as running back Matt Forte scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions.

  • Jay Cutler's wife Kristin Cavallari watches warmups.

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler's wife Kristin Cavallari watches warmups.

  • Jay Cutler after throwing a touchdown pass to Zach Miller...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler after throwing a touchdown pass to Zach Miller against the Green Bay Packers.

  • Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler chat during halftime of their game...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler chat during halftime of their game at Lambeau Field.

  • Jay Cutler talks with quarterback Jimmy Clausen before the game...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler talks with quarterback Jimmy Clausen before the game against the Vikings.

  • Jay Cutler gets pressure from the Colts' Erik Walden in...

    Joe Robbins, Getty Images

    Jay Cutler gets pressure from the Colts' Erik Walden in the first half of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on the bench in the second...

    Sam Riche / AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on the bench in the second half of a preseason game against the Colts.

  • Jay Cutler points out the defense to his offense against...

    Christian Petersen / Getty Images

    Jay Cutler points out the defense to his offense against the Lions.

  • Jay Cutler throws during warm-ups as Jimmy Clausen looks on...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler throws during warm-ups as Jimmy Clausen looks on before the game against the Rams.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler leaves the field after the final...

    Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler leaves the field after the final game of the season against the Vikings.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is sacked by the Saints' David...

    John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is sacked by the Saints' David Hawthorne in the third quarter.

  • Jay Cutler against the Broncos at Soldier Field.

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler against the Broncos at Soldier Field.

  • Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, left, and Bears quarterback David...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, left, and Bears quarterback David Fales confer with each other late in the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers, at Soldier Field in Chicago, on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015.

  • Jay Cutler looks to run the ball in for a...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks to run the ball in for a touchdown during the second half against the Vikings.

  • Jay Cutler is pressured by the Saints' Kasim Edebali during...

    David Banks, Getty Images

    Jay Cutler is pressured by the Saints' Kasim Edebali during the second quarter.

  • Jay Cutler walks the sidelines in the third quarter.

    Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler walks the sidelines in the third quarter.

  • Jay Cutler talks to coaches on the phone after throwing...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler talks to coaches on the phone after throwing an interception-for-touchdown by the 49ers in the first quarter at Soldier Field.

  • Fred Richey thanks Jay Cutler for signing an autograph for...

    Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune

    Fred Richey thanks Jay Cutler for signing an autograph for his son Josiah, 12, during practice at Bears Family Fest on Aug. 8, 2015, at Soldier Field.

  • Jay Cutler slides in front of Redskins linebacker Mason Foster...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler slides in front of Redskins linebacker Mason Foster in the second quarter.

  • Jay Cutler attempts to throw the ball while being sacked...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler attempts to throw the ball while being sacked by the Texans' John Simon during the second half on Sept. 11, 2016 at NRG Park.

  • Jay Cutler pauses before heading into the game for the...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler pauses before heading into the game for the first offensive set in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler loses his helmet as he dives...

    Sam Riche / AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler loses his helmet as he dives into the end zone during the first half of a preseason game against the Colts. The play was negated by a penalty.

  • Jay Cutler smiles as he chats with Alshon Jeffery during...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler smiles as he chats with Alshon Jeffery during drills on the first day of Bears training camp in Bourbonnais on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is tripped up by Colts cornerback...

    Sam Riche, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is tripped up by Colts cornerback Darius Butler in the first half.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in the fourth quarter of the...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Bucs on Nov. 13, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler scrambles against the Vikings in the...

    Bruce Kluckhohn, USA Today Sports

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler scrambles against the Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 13-9.

  • Quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Jimmy Clausen take the field for...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Jimmy Clausen take the field for the Week 2 game against the Cardinals at Soldier Field.

  • Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler shakes hands with San Francisco...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler shakes hands with San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson after the coin toss before the start of the game at Solider Field Sunday, Dec. 6 2015, in Chicago.

  • Jay Cutler signs autographs after the second day of Bears...

    Michael Noble Jr. / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler signs autographs after the second day of Bears training camp.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass to tight end...

    Andrew Weber, USA Today Sports

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass to tight end Martellus Bennett (83) during the third quarter against the Lions.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler answers questions about being demoted.

    Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler answers questions about being demoted.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field at the...

    Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field at the end of a minicamp practice at Halas Hall.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to pass in the first...

    Michael Conroy / AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to pass in the first half.

  • Jay Cutler stretches with his teammates during the second day...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler stretches with his teammates during the second day of Bears' mandatory minicamp on June 15, 2016 at Halas Hall.

  • Bears coach John Fox walks past quarterback Jay Cutler during...

    Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune

    Bears coach John Fox walks past quarterback Jay Cutler during practice at Bears Family Fest on Aug. 8, 2015, at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler runs for a touchdown in the...

    Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. the Cowboys.

  • Jay Cutler during the first half of a game against the...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler during the first half of a game against the Green Bay Packers.

  • Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake sacks Jay Cutler but the...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake sacks Jay Cutler but the play was overturned on a penalty in the second quarter of a preseason game.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks to the locker room after...

    Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks to the locker room after a loss to the Lions at Ford Field.

  • The Vikings' Corey Wootton sacks Jay Cutler during the fourth...

    Adam Bettcher, Getty Images

    The Vikings' Corey Wootton sacks Jay Cutler during the fourth quarter.

  • Jay Cutler runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Vikings.

  • Jay Cutler is surrounded by the media at Bears training...

    Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is surrounded by the media at Bears training camp.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler runs the offense in the fourth...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler runs the offense in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Bears defeated the Bucs, 26-21.

  • Jay Cutler on the sidelines for the Bears' Week 3...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler on the sidelines for the Bears' Week 3 game against the Seahawks.

  • Jay Cutler looks on during pregame festivities before playing the...

    Donald Miralle / Getty Images

    Jay Cutler looks on during pregame festivities before playing the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.

  • Jay Cutler yells to the offensive line during the second...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler yells to the offensive line during the second half against the Green Bay Packers.

  • Jay Cutler nearly fumbles the snap during the first half...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler nearly fumbles the snap during the first half but gets off the pass for a first down against the Redskins.

  • Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler greet one another after a Bears loss at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015.

  • Jay Cutler is sacked by the Eagles' Destiny Vaeao and...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is sacked by the Eagles' Destiny Vaeao and fumbles the ball, which was recovered by the Eagles during the third quarter on Sept. 19, 2016, at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws in a preseason game against...

    Gary Landers / AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws in a preseason game against the Bengals.

  • Jay Cutler reacts after diving into the end zone for...

    Charles Rex Arbogast / AP

    Jay Cutler reacts after diving into the end zone for a touchdown against the Vikings in the second half.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hands off to running back Matt...

    Nam Y. Huh, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hands off to running back Matt Forte during a training camp practice.

  • Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first half against...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first half against the Detroit Lions.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field after a...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field after a loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 20, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler looks for an open receiver during the second...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks for an open receiver during the second half against the Packers.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler answers questions about being demoted.

    Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler answers questions about being demoted.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a laugh on the field...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a laugh on the field during warmups for a game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

  • Matt Slauson and quarterback Jay Cutler celebrate after Cutler threw...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Matt Slauson and quarterback Jay Cutler celebrate after Cutler threw a touchdown in the third quarter against the Redskins.

  • Jay Cutler closes his eyes after throwing a pass during...

    Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler closes his eyes after throwing a pass during the second half of a game against the Vikings.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the game vs. the Saints...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the game vs. the Saints at Soldier Field.

  • Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first half against...

    Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first half against the 49ers at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler passes under pressure from Tampa Bay...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler passes under pressure from Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Henry Melton on  Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

  • Bears quarterbacks Brian Hoyer, left, and Jay Cutler enter the...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterbacks Brian Hoyer, left, and Jay Cutler enter the field for practice at Family Fest at Soldier Field on August 6, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler pitches the ball to running back Matt Forte...

    Brad Rempel, USA Today Sports

    Jay Cutler pitches the ball to running back Matt Forte in the first quarter against the Vikings.

  • Jay Cutler heads for the locker room during a game...

    Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler heads for the locker room during a game against the Vikings.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler scrambles in the first quarter against...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler scrambles in the first quarter against the Lions at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Browns quarterback Josh McCown greet...

    Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Browns quarterback Josh McCown greet one another after a preseason game at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes the field.

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes the field.

  • Colts defensive back Dwight Lowery chases Bears quarterback Jay Cutler...

    Sam Riche, AP

    Colts defensive back Dwight Lowery chases Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the first half.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler gestures to his teammates after he...

    Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler gestures to his teammates after he was unable to complete a pass during practice at Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterbacks David Fales, Jimmy Clausen and Jay Cutler during...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterbacks David Fales, Jimmy Clausen and Jay Cutler during the game against the Seahawks.

  • Jay Cutler runs in a first down during the second...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler runs in a first down during the second half against the Lions at Ford Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws to quarterback Jimmy Clausen during...

    Matt Marton, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws to quarterback Jimmy Clausen during drills at Halas Hall.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and new offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

    Matt Marton, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and new offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

  • Jay Cutler walks off the field after his team's loss...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler walks off the field after his team's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass in the first...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Broncos at Soldier Field on August 11, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler runs the ball during the second half against...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler runs the ball during the second half against the Rams at Edward Jones Dome.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler heads to the locker room after...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler heads to the locker room after the 24-21 loss to the Redskins.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler celebrates his touchdown pass in the...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler celebrates his touchdown pass in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

  • Bears QB Jay Cutler speaks to the media about preparation...

    Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune

    Bears QB Jay Cutler speaks to the media about preparation for the Thanksgiving game vs. the Lions.

  • Jay Cutler stretches during the first day of training camp.

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler stretches during the first day of training camp.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the game vs. the Saints...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the game vs. the Saints at Soldier Field.

  • Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field after...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks off the field after his team's loss to the Denver Broncos, at Soldier, Field, in Chicago, on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015.

  • Jay Cutler speaks to the media after the final game...

    Hannah Foslien, Getty Images

    Jay Cutler speaks to the media after the final game of the season.

  • Jay Cutler runs the ball during the second day of...

    Michael Noble Jr. / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler runs the ball during the second day of Bears training camp.

  • Jay Cutler can't believe the call after he was sacked...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler can't believe the call after he was sacked in the second quarter against the Raiders.

  • Jay Cutler tries to get off a pass before being...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler tries to get off a pass before being tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Jay Elliott during the first quarter of their game.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler flashes a smile after a preseason...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler flashes a smile after a preseason game against the Browns at Soldier Field.

  • Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers chats with Jay Cutler prior to...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers chats with Jay Cutler prior to their game.

  • Jay Cutler is hit by the Redskins' Kedric Golston in...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is hit by the Redskins' Kedric Golston in the second quarter.

  • Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon lays a late hit on...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon lays a late hit on Jay Cutler in the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 20, 2016.

  • Josh Bellamy celebrates with Jay Cutler after his touchdown against...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Josh Bellamy celebrates with Jay Cutler after his touchdown against the Lions during the second half.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler warms up with teammates at Qualcomm...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler warms up with teammates at Qualcomm Stadium.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the fourth quarter against the...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the fourth quarter against the Saints.

  • Jay Cutler directs the offense in the second quarter of...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler directs the offense in the second quarter of a game against the Chiefs.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to make a pass during...

    Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to make a pass during practice at Soldier Field on Aug. 8.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is sandwiched between the Cowboys' Anthony...

    Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is sandwiched between the Cowboys' Anthony Spencer and Tyrone Crawford in the third quarter.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hands the ball off in the...

    Brad Rempel, USA Today Sports

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hands the ball off in the third quarter.

  • Jay Cutler takes a call from the coaching booth after...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler takes a call from the coaching booth after the Bears failed to convert a two-point conversion against the Broncos to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

  • Jay Cutler looks up at the video board, during pregame...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks up at the video board, during pregame ceremonies before the start of the season operner against the Texans at NRG Park on Sept. 11, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler looks for an answer after San Chargers cornerback...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks for an answer after San Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett returned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter.

  • Jay Cutler exits a media huddle as Bears players report...

    Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler exits a media huddle as Bears players report to Olivet Nazarene University before the first day of summer training camp.

  • Jay Cutler walks to the locker room with an injury...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler walks to the locker room with an injury after he threw an interception to the Cardinals late in the first half.

  • Jay Cutler throws the game-winning touchdown pass to running back...

    Charlie Riedel / AP

    Jay Cutler throws the game-winning touchdown pass to running back Matt Forte while under pressure from Chiefs defensive lineman Jaye Howard late in the fourth quarter.

  • Jay Cutler lays on the ground after taking a late...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler lays on the ground after taking a late hit from Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon in the first quarter on Nov. 20, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler is sacked by Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck.

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is sacked by Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler speaks at a press conference on...

    Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler speaks at a press conference on the day the Bears arrive at training camp on July 27, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler celebrates his touchdown pass in the first quarter...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler celebrates his touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Raiders.

  • Jay Cutler is sacked by Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap...

    Michael Conroy, AP

    Jay Cutler is sacked by Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap during the first half.

  • Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks to the field before...

    John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

    Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler walks to the field before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Chicago.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler shouts to go for the two-point...

    Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler shouts to go for the two-point conversion following a Matt Forte touchdown run against the Cowboys in the fourth quarter.

  • Alshon Jeffery and quarterback Jay Cutler celebrate after they connected...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Alshon Jeffery and quarterback Jay Cutler celebrate after they connected for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Redskins.

  • The Cardinals' Tony Jefferson runs back an interception for a...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    The Cardinals' Tony Jefferson runs back an interception for a touchdown as Jay Cutler tries to make the tackle in the second quarter. Cutler was injured on the play.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler stretches at Halas Hall.

    Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler stretches at Halas Hall.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler after his pass to Kevin White...

    Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler after his pass to Kevin White was incomplete on a third down, in the second quarter against the Eagles at Soldier Field on Sept. 19, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler is sacked by the Chargers defense and fumbles...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is sacked by the Chargers defense and fumbles in the first quarter.

  • Jay Cutler breaks a tackle by Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson...

    Charlie Riedel / AP

    Jay Cutler breaks a tackle by Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson during the second half.

  • Jay Cutler talks with members of the media ahead of...

    Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler talks with members of the media ahead of the Bears' final game of the season.

  • Jay Cutler throws an interception in the second quarter as...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler throws an interception in the second quarter as it is picked off by the Cardinals' Tony Jefferson.

  • Jay Cutler gets up after being taken down by Dolphins...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler gets up after being taken down by Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake in the first half of a preseason game.

  • Jay Cutler has a laugh while speaking to the media...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler has a laugh while speaking to the media following minicamp.

  • Jay Cutler fumbles the ball as the Chiefs recover it...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler fumbles the ball as the Chiefs recover it for a touchdown in the first quarter at Arrowhead Stadium.

  • Jay Cutler runs with the ball as the Rams' Rodney...

    Jeff Roberson / AP

    Jay Cutler runs with the ball as the Rams' Rodney McLeod and Mark Barron give chase during the third quarter.

  • Jay Cutler warms up before the game.

    Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler warms up before the game.

  • Jay Cutler is sacked in the fourth quarter against the...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler is sacked in the fourth quarter against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 20, 2016.

  • Jay Cutler walks off the field after the OT loss...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler walks off the field after the OT loss to the 49ers.

  • Jay Cutler looks to throw as the Rams' Mark Barron...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler looks to throw as the Rams' Mark Barron applies the pressure in the second quarter.

  • Jay Cutler chats with former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler chats with former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice and Oakland Raiders offensive line coach following a 22-10 Bears win.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler warms up before a preseason game...

    Charles Rex Arbogast, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler warms up before a preseason game against the Browns at Soldier Field.

  • Jay Cutler runs with the ball against the Cardinals in...

    Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler runs with the ball against the Cardinals in the second quarter at Soldier Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a long pass in the...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a long pass in the second quarter against the Chargers.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a smile on his face...

    Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a smile on his face during the game against the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.

  • Jay Cutler walks off the field after the Bears lost...

    Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

    Jay Cutler walks off the field after the Bears lost to the Detroit Lions, 37-34, in overtime at Ford Field.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes off running as the Saints'...

    John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes off running as the Saints' Kenny Vaccaro chases in the fourth quarter.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to hand off the ball...

    Michael Conroy, AP

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler looks to hand off the ball during the first half against the Bengals during a preseason game.

  • Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first...

    Dennis Wierzbicki, USA Today Sports

    Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cowboys at Soldier Field.

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PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

#CuttyDoesIt

For those who are unfamiliar, that’s the cute little hashtag Jay Cutler supporters have used when taking to social media in droves to defend the embattled quarterback throughout his tenure in Chicago.

Because of his injuries, we’ve been spared from the rallying cry for much of the season. And if the team’s front office has any clue, #CuttyDoesIt will soon go permanently extinct in this city.

How any of these hashtag-wielding, unrepentant apologists have possibly persisted through the duration of Cutler’s Bears career is up there with Stonehenge as one of humankind’s great mysteries. It’s hard to pinpoint just what they’ve admired, considering his time in Chicago has amounted to a combination of unjustified hype, wildly inflated compensation, temper tantrums and basically total disappointment. He’s essentially the Gordon Ramsay of football.

On one hand, it’s not Cutler’s fault that former general manager Phil Emery decided it’d be wise to offer more than $50 million in guaranteed money to a bad decision-maker with a questionable attitude. On the other hand, it IS Cutler’s fault that he’s a bad decision-maker with a questionable attitude.

But now, with all the guaranteed money from that awful contract having been paid out, there remains no conceivable justification for current GM Ryan Pace to continue dealing with this mess.

On the field, we’ve seen all there is to see. The franchise provided more than enough support, resources and benefit of the doubt. In return, Cutler failed again and again. And again. And again. It’s safe to say his term in Chicago has included more trust-busting than the Teddy Roosevelt presidency.

How about off the field? Some in the #CuttyDoesIt camp claim he would be a great candidate to help develop a quarterback if the Bears were to take one in the first round of the upcoming draft. But Cutler has more technical glitches than a Samsung Galaxy Note7, and asking him to mentor a young QB would be akin to asking a creationist to teach a course on evolution. Not only would he suck at it, he wouldn’t even believe in the principles he’d be asked to instill.

Finally, for those delusional enough to think the Bears should hang onto Cutler because he holds trade value, please understand what the rest of the league already knows: No one is going to offer anything of value. Think of a beat-up 1989 Toyota Tercel. Sure, it could be claimed if abandoned on the side of the road. But no other car owner is about to roll down their window and ask you what you want for it.

There’s just no sense in hanging onto this clunker anymore. If you couldn’t come to terms with it the past eight years, hopefully it’s clearer now: #CuttyDoesn’t, #CuttyDidn’t and #CuttyNeverWill.

Tim Coffey is a RedEye contributor. @tqcoff