Cutler: "Everyone could get axed"

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Jay Cutler is a realist.

The grim-faced Chicago Bears signal caller had a chance to reflect on the team's recent history after being named starter for their season finale against the Vikings. 

"I think you've just got to prepare yourself that anything could happen," Cutler said to the Chicago Sun-Times. 

After tumbling to a 5-10 record and four straight defeats since Thanksgiving, Cutler is responsible for 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers overall, both the worst mark by any man in football.

"That's kind of what I'm prepared for. I mean, everyone could stay. Everyone could get axed. You just never know what direction it's going to go. You just have to stay open-minded and know that things happen for a reason."

Missing the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances, not only is the quarterback position up in the air, but also that of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery.

"Coaches could leave. Players could leave. I could leave," said Cutler, who was benched last week for Jimmy Clausen, but will return after his backup suffered a concussion in his start against Detroit. 

"That's part of it. It's a weird season. A lot of things have happened. A lot of things haven't gone our way for numerous reasons."

Also numerous are the dollars Cutler receives in the process: after signing a seven-year deal for $126.7 million, his salary of $15.5 million this season is guaranteed, as is $10 million for the 2016 season if he is on the Bears roster March 12, the third day of the 2015 league year.

Cutler has 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions against Minnesota in 10 starts with the Bears, passing for 2,434 yards.

"Hopefully, we can make it through the next couple of days without something else happening," he said. "You never know though."