NFL News: Jay Cutler reportedly following Tony Romo into retirement

Jay Cutler finds himself unsigned to date and the 33-year-old could opt for retirement if no team gets him for the 2017 NFL season. Cutler was released by the Chicago Bears in March following a poor 2016-17 NFL season, part of which was due to injuries.

The closest Jay Cutler had to hook up with a team was the New York Jets, but the team decided to sign Josh McCown instead, Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted. Aside from that, his fate could depend on what happens after the 2017 NFL Draft.

Considering the upcoming draft doesn’t really offer standout quarterbacks, Cutler could still be in play. There are several teams in need of a playmaker like the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers. Both own the first and second overall pick respectively, with most believing their target is the best quarterback available.

As things stand now, Cutler’s future would depend on the young talent teams can get out of the 2017 NFL Draft. If it is any consolation, Cutler is not the only popular free agent unsigned. There is also Colin Kaepernick, who is still waiting on calls for a job next NFL season.

There are many precedents to why teams may be holding back. Aside from a poor season and his recent shoulder injury, teams are also tinkering with the salary budget they have on their end.

In terms of health, some teams could be wary of his durability. The shoulder injury could be costly, seeing how most teams would want someone with a good arm. The least teams could do is take a look at Cutler’s progress and shun his poor performance last NFL season.

A team that could take the chance on Cutler would be the Houston Texans. With Tony Romo opting to retire, there is a void at starting quarterback at the moment. Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden are still around but both don’t seem fit to inherit the starting quarterback role, the Washington Post reports.

Aside from Cutler and Kaepernick, other names still available in the NFL free agent market include Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel. For Cutler, it seems NFL teams are holding off for a reason and most believe it is the 2017 NFL Draft.

Attention on the veteran free agents will likely follow after that, a point where NFL teams will assess who stays and who gets the pink slip. For Cutler and the rest, the wait may be tormenting but a reality to deal with.