Jay Cutler agrees to deal with Dolphins

Jay Cutler agrees to make NFL return and signs with the Miami Dolphins

Jay Cutler has come out of his short-lived retirement to sign with the Miami Dolphins. Cutler, who planned to go into television, will put those plans aside to play at least one more season in the NFL, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

In Miami, the 34-year-old will reunite with former offensive coordinator and current Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. During his one season under Gase in 2015, Cutler posted his career-high passer rating with the Bears. Cutler and Chicago parted ways following the 2016-17 season and Cutler failed to sign with another franchise. He swiftly retired and planned to become a game analyst for FOX. However, an injury to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has since seen Cutler’s plans turn upside down.

Tannehill suffered a serious, non-contact knee injury during training camp earlier this week. The extent of Tannehill’s injury has yet to be known, but the Dolphins believe he will need season-ending surgery. Gase has not yet commented on who will start under center for his team. Matt Moore and Cutler will likely battle for the remainder of the preseason for the spot.

Throughout his career with the Bears, Cutler tallied 154 touchdowns in eight seasons. He posted his three-best career seasons from 2013-15, but his 2016 campaign was plagued by injury. Luckily for the Dophins, Cutler looks to be fully healthy and rested. The 2017 season will be his 13th in the league.

Next: NFL uniform power rankings

Miami had the option to sign free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick. However, the Dolphins opted to sign an experienced veteran who is familiar with Gase’s system. With the addition of Cutler, the Dolphins look to stay afloat in the AFC playoff picture. Cutler’s experience provides Miami with a chance to possibly grab a wild card spot when the season is said and done while Tannehill recovers.