Now that Cutler has finally been traded, it's worth considering how strange this whole business was. Initially, the Broncos wanted to deal him for Matt Cassel, but the Patriots instead traded Cassel to the Chiefs for their second-round pick. (New England also |STAR|threw in|STAR| Mike Vrabel.)

So Denver was hoping to get a player who was worth a second-round pick, in exchange for one who eventually went to the Bears for two No. 1s, and a No. 3 for a No. 5.

What's also strange is that New England didn't just trade Cassel for Cutler, and then shop Cutler to the highest bidder. Conceivably they could be getting this massive haul from the Bears.

Finally, Cutler was so offended that the Broncos wanted to trade him that he essentially forced a trade. Now instead of playing for a team with Brandon Marshall (assuming he's healthy, free and unsuspended) and Eddie Royal, he's playing for one with Devin Hester, Rashied Davis and severely handicapped in the draft. Moreover, playing in Chicago is harder on quarterbacks than playing in Denver - it's not only colder, but windier.

There's little doubt that Josh McDaniels handled the situation poorly, but how much more could one expect to get from a franchise quarterback with consistency and attitude issues. Two No. 1s and another upgrade is a pretty good haul. If the Chargers wanted to deal the more polished Philip Rivers, would he fetch three No 1s?

Every player has a value, and under the circumstances I'm surprised Denver got as much as they did. As for Cutler he has almost zero leeway to be an ass in Chicago. If he's uncooperative with the Bears in the slightest, he'll be in Jeff George-land. (McDaniels better not alienate another player in the next five years, either).

It's also strange to think that an unexpected consequence of Tom Brady's injury is that Jay Cutler now plays for the Bears. Big props to anyone who saw that coming.