The situation between the Denver Broncos and Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler has gone from bad to worse. NFL.com reports that Cutler has requested a trade through his agent, Bus Cook, who helped orchestrate the departure of Brett Favre from the Green Bay Packers last summer.

Cutler failed to show up Monday for the start of the first off-season workouts under new head coach Josh McDaniels following a failed meeting between the two sides. The feud began in December when the firing of longtime Denver coach Mike Shanahan upset Cutler, and continued when the quarterback felt that McDaniels was not honest with him regarding reports that he was nearly dealt to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as part of a three-team deal that would have reunited the Broncos coach with his former quarterback in New England, Matt Cassel.

McDaniels declined interview requests and stated that he wanted to meet again with Cutler to try to resolve their differences before he considers a trade. The 32-year-old coach has maintained that he listened to, but did not initiate, any trade proposals for Cutler.

The sides met face-to-face for the first time Saturday, and Cutler came away convinced that McDaniels wants to go in another direction, while the Broncos were amazed that the gathering did not result in a resolution to this contentious situation. An earlier conference call also could not convince Cutler that the Broncos view him as their long-term starter at the quarterback position. Cutler was informed that the team expected him to attend Monday's meeting and workout, even though it's voluntary.

Cutler told ESPN he would attend every mandatory mini-camp (beginning April 17th, one week before the draft) and training camp, but not the off-season training program, which won't subject him to fines. However, Cutler will forfeit a $100,000 bonus if he fails to attend 90 percent of the workouts. Cutler is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $48 million contract that he signed as a rookie.

The Broncos maintain that they have no interest in trading Cutler, who set several team passing records last season and just played in his first Pro Bowl. However, it's looking increasingly likely that trading Cutler might be the only way to resolve the predicament.

The Broncos have been the most active team in free agency, signing 15 players, including quarterback Chris Simms. The former Buccaneer received a two-year, $6 million contract to serve as Cutler's backup.

• In-Depth: Portland’s MLS Bid Continues After Amended Council Vote - Business of Sports Network
• Tues: MLB Network to Carry USA v. Puerto Rico Live - The Biz of Baseball
  
• MLB Average Postseason Revenue Over the Last Decade - The Biz of Baseball
• Attendance and Television Ratings Shine for '09 World Baseball Classic - The Biz of Baseball
• MLB Contraction Won't Happen - The Biz of Baseball - The Biz of Baseball
• World Baseball Classic Sees Average Attendance Up 38% from '06 - The Biz of Baseball
• Total End of Year Payrolls (1999-2008) - The Biz of Baseball
• Site Update: End of Year MLB Player Payroll Updated with 2004 Data - The Biz of Baseball
• A’s Reject Offer From City of Oakland for New Stadium Assistance - The Biz of Baseball
• Marlins Reach Deal to Hire Minorities for New Stadium - The Biz of Baseball
• NHL Network, NHL.com and NHL Radio Go Wall-to-Wall for Trade Deadline Coverage - The Biz of Hockey
• The Business of Sports Network Enters New Phase - The Biz of Hockey
• Panel Studying Concussions Recommends Ban on all Fighting in Hockey - The Biz of Hockey
• SEE IT: New Kevin Garnett Gatorade G2 Ad - The Biz of Basketball
• Slapping Down Calhoun's Melt-Down - The Biz of Basketball
• Nike Unveils New Uniform Design for NCAA Tournament - The Biz of Basketball
• NBA Extends Reach to India - The Biz of Basketball

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed