Jay Cutler won't be testing the free
agent market after all.
The Chicago Bears have re-signed the quarterback to a contract through the
2020 season. The 7-year contract is worth 126 millions dollars, 54 million dollars guaranteed.
Cutler just completed his fifth season with Chicago and was set to become an
unrestricted free agent. He started 11 games in 2013, missing a Week 9 game
because of a groin injury and sitting out another four games because of an
ankle sprain.
"We're very excited to have Jay for the long term," said Bears general manager
Phil Emery on Thursday. "He battled through the tough times and kept
fighting."
The eight-year veteran completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 2,621 yards
with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this past season, producing a career-
best 89.2 passer rating. The Bears were 7-6 when Cutler returned from his
ankle injury and helped Chicago to a Week 15 win over Cleveland, but the Bears
lost their final two games and finished 8-8 to hand the NFC North title to
Green Bay.
There had been speculation that backup Josh McCown was the better quarterback
in first-year coach Marc Trestman's system. McCown played well during Cutler's
four-game absence, but Trestman immediately went back to Cutler once he was
medically cleared.
Cutler began his career with the Broncos and spent three seasons in Denver
before a trade to Chicago prior to the 2009 season. He is 39-28 as the starter
for the Bears and led Chicago to the NFC Championship Game after the 2010
season.
Emery also announced the signings of guard Matt Slauson and cornerback Tim
Jennings to four-year deals through 2017.
Slauson signed with the Bears last March after three seasons with the New York
Jets, while Jennings just completed his fourth year in Chicago after playing
his first four NFL seasons with Indianapolis.
Jennings has 20 career interceptions, including a league-high nine in 2012. He
led the Bears with four picks this past season, returning two for touchdowns.
