Report: Jay Cutler unlikely to return to Chicago Bears

The million dollar question facing the Chicago Bears is what they will do with free agent quarterback Jay Cutler now that the team has been eliminated from the playoffs after a heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers, an answer may be coming soon.

According to Paul Banks of the SportsBank.net, the word is that the team and Cutler will be parting ways after five seasons as the team’s starting quarterback.

"“A source close to Mark Block, the head of both the Mark Block agency and the Jay Cutler Foundation told The Sports Bank this morning that the Chicago Bears are likely to move in a different direction.”"

This is a move that likely will make half of the Bears fans excited to move in a different direction after five years where Cutler became the Bears all-time leading passer, but also came under fire for his body language, penchant for throwing interceptions and being injury-prone.

The other half will be upset with this news because Cutler has been the most talented quarterback the Bears have had in the franchise’s long history. If the Bears elect to move on form the Cutler era , Bears general manager Phil Emery will have to find his replacement and Banks writes he may already be on the roster.

"“I was also told this morning that the organization will likely move to retain Josh McCown and focus on rebuilding the defense in the NFL draft in May.”"

If Sunday was Cutler’s last in a Bears uniform, then his final pass was an interception to Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields to knock the Bears out of the playoffs.

Patrick’s the managing editor for Death Valley Voice and news desk staffer for FanSided.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt, @DeathValleyFS. Like his Facebook page and add him to your Google network.