Jay Cutler posts message to Chicago and Bears fans

The inevitable move to cut him came on Thursday, but Jay Cutler holds no ill will towards the Chicago Bears.

After an injury-shortened 2016 season, and the ability to escape the rest of his contact without financial implications of guaranteed money, Jay Cutler was clearly not going to take another snap for the Chicago Bears. On Thursday, after eight seasons and with the looming signing of Mike Glennon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Cutler asked for and was given his release by the Bears.

Cutler is now officially a free agent, with the New York Jets now possibly the only team seriously in the market for a veteran starting quarterback. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network speculated a couple weeks ago about Cutler retiring rather than play in 2017, which could have been a way to curb trade rumors and force the Bears to release him.

After his release became official on Thursday afternoon, Cutler offered a message of appreciation to the Bears’ organization, Chicago fans and the city itself.

Cutler had a 51-51 regular season record as the Bears’ starting quarterback, with one playoff appearance in 2010 that finished with a berth in the NFC Championship Game against the rival Green Bay Packers. This side of Sid Luckman and Super Bowl XX winner Jim McMahon the Bears’ history under center is not great, but Cutler is the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards (23,443) and touchdowns (154).

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Cutler’s seemingly uncaring demeanor has made him an easy lightning rod for criticism, from Bears’ fans and others, and he was (is) far from flawless on the field. Depending on his expectations, in terms of role, situation and money, he should find a new team without much issue. But if Cutler decided to retire sometime in the coming weeks, would anyone be shocked?