NFL free agency will officially open on March 9, but the tampering period, allowing teams to negotiate contracts ahead of that time opens at noon on Tuesday.
At that time, the Chicago Bears are reportedly expected to make a "major push" for free agent quarterback Mike Glennon:
When the tampering period begins, expect the #Bears to make a major push for FA QB Mike Glennon, and I'm told Chicago is his preferred spot
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2017
Glennon is expected to land a contract in the neighborhood of $14-15 million.
Chicago holds the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but opting to ink the former third-round pick as the franchise quarterback would free up the Bears to land a skill player.
In three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glennon has started 18 games, putting together a 5-13 record. He's thrown for more than 4,000 yards for 30 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
He'll likely replace Jay Cutler, whose eight-year career in Chicago has been an up-and-down tenure which saw the Bears win more than seven games just twice.
Chicago Bears have actively started seeking a trade partner for quarterback Jay Cutler, per @JeffDarlington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2017
The Bears can cut Cutler easily (no guaranteed money left, just $2M in dead money). Current deal has $31M over next 2 years, $72M over 4. https://t.co/DlR0bCnV2D
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 21, 2017
Cutler figures to be behind Tony Romo and Tyrod Taylor on the wishlists of teams in need of a veteran quarterback.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that if Cutler doesn't land in the right situation, he might consider an early retirement.
"He's one of several veterans who are still considering whether they want to play, whether they want to not play, retire, walk away," Rapoport said. "A lot of things in play here for Jay Cutler."
It's more likely that Cutler is released than traded, and there are several quarterback-needy teams who could take a chance on the 33-year-old QB.
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