Cutler Takes Talents to South Beach

Jay Cutler’s broadcasting stint with Fox was short-lived. The 34-year old has come out of “retirement” after reaching an agreement on a 1 year/$10 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Cutler will be replacing quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who tore his ACL earlier this week and will be sidelined for the entire 2017 season.

I was not really surprised by this development. Once it became apparent that Tannehill would in fact miss the season, Cutler’s name made the most sense. He played for the Dolphin’s Head Coach, Adam Gase, in Chicago and the two of them hold each other in extremely high regard.

This is not a popular opinion, but I think that the Tannehill injury is going to be a blessing in disguise for the ‘Fins. Tannehill, who is already almost 30 years of age, hasn’t shown the gradual improvement that should be expected from a former first-round pick. Yes, he has a high completion percentage each season, but that’s a byproduct of dink and dunk passes – primarily to Jarvis Landry - that are alarmingly ineffective outside the world of fantasy football. With Tannehill injured and Miami now leaning on Cutler to steer the ship, I actually think the Dolphins will be better off moving forward. Cutler is a gun-slinger. There are no “if’s”, “and’s”, or “but’s” about it. That’s who he is. But that’s precisely what the Dolphins need. Yes, he might throw more interceptions that Ryan Tannehill, but that’s what happens when you aren’t afraid to sling it. Don’t get me wrong: Ryan Tannehill is a fine quarterback … if you’re content with being mediocre. Jay Cutler is a high variance quarterback. He’s either really good, or really bad. If the Dolphins can channel the really good version of Mr. Cutler, New England and the rest of the AFC better be on their toes. The rest of Miami’s roster is superb. It all comes down to the quarterback, and with Jay Cutler at the helm, I think the Dolphins could be dangerous.