Chicago Bears Roster & News: Jay Cutler Benched for Final Two Games, Quarterback Wants to Stay
Jay Cutler will not start for the Chicago Bears this week as reports revealed Jimmy Clausen will be the team's starting quarterback against the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Bears coach Marc Trestman informed Cutler about his decision after the star quarterback had another disappointing performance in their 31-15 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
Against the Saints, Cutler completed 17 of 31 passes for 194 yards with two touchdowns, but the 31-year-old quarterback also had three interceptions and finished with a season-low 55.8 passer rating.
The Bears had high expectations for Cutler heading into the 2014 NFL season, but the nine-year veteran has been struggling all-season long, leading Chicago to a disappointing 5-9 record. In 14 starts, Cutler had league-leading 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers.
"We haven't been able to do the things that we want to get done," Trestman said via ESPN. "We're working towards that, but the answer to that is obvious. I'm trying to give you the most truthful answer, and that is, we've seen moments of it, but it's not where we need to go. It's not where we need to be."
Cutler admitted he was "shocked" and "disappointed" after learning that Clausen will take his place, saying he did not see the benching coming despite their poor performance this season.
"I haven't really thought about it that deeply," Cutler said when asked if he thinks Trestman's decision is fair. "All I know is there is a lot of money involved in my contract, which comes with a lot of expectations and a lot of responsibility. Whenever you're not winning and performing the way you should there's a likelihood that can happen."
Cutler signed a seven-year deal worth $127 million deal with the Bears in the offseason. With his $22.5 million salary this season, the veteran quarterback is currently the highest-paid offensive player in the league. The former Vanderbilt standout said the deal gave him enough reason to believe he will be in Chicago in the next several years, but the recent benching made him think that he could have played his last game in a Bears uniform on Monday.
If he has it his way, however, Cutler said he would finish his contract in Chicago.
"I would like to stay here," Cutler said via NFL.com. "I really like it here. I love the guys in the locker room. This is where I'd like to be."
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