NFL news: Jay Cutler buys time behind broadcast booth, football return still possible

NFL veteran Jay Cutler could easily play on if there was a team willing to give him a chance. But with no takers, the 34-year-old has opted to follow the lead of Tony Romo and join the Fox broadcast booth.

Cutler is one of the top players in free agency who has been left out. Together with Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick, most are clueless on why no team considered any of them even for a backup quarterback role.

The closest that Cutler had to sign with an NFL team was with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, coach Todd Bowles and company opted to go with Josh McCown. Other than the Jets, Cutler was linked to the Houston Texans though nothing really materialized. Hence, he is left with practically little-to-none options.

Rather than wait, Cutler decided to take up Fox on their offer. He will join Kevin Burkhardt and Charles Davis as an in-game analyst according to NFL.com.

Same career shift, different options

Jay Cutler and Tony Romo still have a couple of years left in them and both could play on if the opportunity comes. With Cutler’s case already discussed above, Romo’s predicament is different. He could easily decide to return if he wanted to but his contract with the Dallas Cowboys stand in the way.

Romo is coming off a so-so season, spending most of the time in sick bay and giving Dak Prescott the chance to shine. That cost him his starting job and hence the reason why he has decided to pursue a career in the world of broadcasting.

Cutler, on the other hand, can return too at some point if an NFL team gives him a call. Compared to Romo, that may be a long shot for now.

Why is Cutler being ignored?

Money could be the primary issue on why Cutler is still available in free agency. Then again, there could be other factors like age and his level of play. The 34-year-old ‘s career seems to be declining and retirement was an option for him. However, that may not be 100-percent certain with Cutler reportedly willing to play for any team that would give him a chance in another report from NFL.com.

"I don't feel that anyone ever really retires from the NFL. You are either forced to leave, or you lose the desire to do what's required to keep going. I'm in between those situations at this point in my life."

All is not lost for Cutler at this point. He just needs to wait if any NFL team shows interest. If not, he has already taken the next step most NFL stars would take after retirement – calling games and helping with in-game analysis.