Cutler To The Bears

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports Jay Cutler is now a Chicago Bear.

The Bears reportedly sent their 2009 and 2010 1st-round picks along with a 2009 3rd-round pick and Kyle Orton for Cutler and a 2009 5th-round pick.

Considering the fact that bringing back Cutler simply wasn't an option, this is a great trade for both sides. The Bears FINALLY get a quarterback, perhaps the first reliable signal caller they've had since Jim McMahon. The Broncos get what they wanted, two 1st-round picks, plus a stop-gap quarterback in Kyle Orton.

The Broncos draft strategy likely doesn't change drastically. Defensive line and linebacker are still priorities and could very well be selected with both of their 2009 1st-round picks. There is, however, a chance that they select Mark Sanchez. Orton will almost certainly be the starter in 2009, but Sanchez could watch and learn for a year before taking over.

With the addition of Cutler, the Bears become the favorite in the NFC North. They still have a solid defense, one of the best young running backs and an above average offensive line. They need to find away to land a decent receiver between now and the start of the season, but regardless, they should run away with the division in 2009.