We’re obviously going to talk about Jay Cutler today, but before we do I just want to briefly revisit yesterday’s topic – Tim Floyd. Floyd came to his senses today and turned down the Arizona job to stay at USC. As we talked about yesterday that’s the best outcome for both sides. Arizona now gets another chance to not screw things up, and Floyd is in a place that is a much better fit for him.

Now, Cutler. If you missed it, Cutler is a Chicago Bear. The Bears paid a pretty penny for him – Kyle Orton, a first round pick this year (18th overall), a third rounder this year, and a first rounder next year. Denver threw in afifth rounder this year. Chicago was one of the teams on the short list, but I’ll admit that this wasn’t where I expected the big baby to wind up. Still, I think it’s a pretty good deal. Let’s take a look:

Denver: They did a very good job of extracting value, especially if you consider what Matt Cassel was traded for earlier in the offseason. The 18th is a good spot to pick another QB if they want to (maybe Mark Sanchez, but almost certainly Josh Freeman), or they can build in another way. Kyle Orton is a step down from Cutler, but between him and Chris Simms they now have enough to go forward this season without creating a total disaster. The Broncos have another option as well – they now have enough assets to turn around and acquire another QB if they want – like Brady Quinn. They would still probably be better off keeping a happy Cutler around, but since that wasn’t going to happen this gives them a very good chance of not losing a ton of ground in the long run. Especially if, like me and obviously Josh McDaniels as well, you aren’t entirely sold on Cutler.  I also like that Denver got a deal done quickly, sending the message that this is the past and it is time to move on.

Chicago: I think Orton was a solid QB, but the Bears finally have something that they have lacked for a long time now – a decent QB that people trust. Orton could have been completely functional in town, but he was perceived as a stop-gap, so he likely never stood a chance of gaining respect. Cutler may or may not be all he is supposed to be, but at least he makes the fans there happy for now because they have calling for a good QB forever. If Cutler can be a good citizen and learn the system quickly then he will likely make the team better, and he certainly won’t make them any worse. It was a bold and expensive move, but a fully justifiable one with good upside.

Cutler: He better play his butt off, because this is his last chance. He got absolutely everything he asked for – he left town, it happened quickly, and he wound up with a team that can contend. If Cutler plays well then he can be a hero – Chicago hasn’t had a good QB they have liked for a long, long time, so they are starved for one and will worship one who does well. If Cutler doesn’t come through, though, or he tries to pull the pouting, diva stunt that got him to Chicago in the first place, then he will be eaten alive. No town outside of maybe Philly is tougher and less tolerant of crap, so Cutler should consider himself on a short leash. If the city feels like they have been ripped off by their QB then this could really, really get ugly. I hope for the best for the Bears because they deserve some QB success, but I’m not hugely optimistic in the long term.