Belichick May Have Inadvertently Played Part in Cutler-Broncos Rift

When Jay Cutler and the Broncos go their separate ways -- and by the looks of things, it's happening, the only question is when -- Bill Belichick will be to blame. I don't say that because it's just easier to point the finger at the man who embodies all that is evil (at least for all those who hate the Patriots), but because apparently, he's been instrumental in driving a wedge between Cutler and the Broncos organization*, even if unwittingly (yeah, right).

On Sunday, the Denver Post's Mike Klis wrote that, contrary to previous reports, "the deal that would have sent Cutler elsewhere and New England quarterback Matt Cassel to Denver didn't collapse because Broncos coach [and former Patriots offensive coordinator] Josh McDaniels entered the discussions late."

Also untrue: Belichick sent Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for the 34th-overall pick to "stick it to" his former protege.

Klis continues:

The source, who was involved in the trade discussions, says Belichick aggressively pushed Cassel upon McDaniels from the onset. McDaniels may have allowed loyalty to cloud his judgment and entertained Belichick's proposals far too long.

But according to the source, not one of the many trade offers that swung through Dove Valley came close to pushing the Broncos into striking a deal.

And then this happened. Followed by this, this and this, which brings us to today's events.

In addition to the news that Belichick may be the impetus for all the upheaval in Denver, owner Pat Bowlen admitted that the damage between the organization and its Pro Bowl quarterback could be irreparable.

"I'm very disappointed," ... Bowlen said Sunday. "I'm disappointed in the whole picture, not just disappointed that we might lose our star quarterback." Asked to clarify, Bowlen said he steadfastly supports his new coach and his disappointment lies in the way Cutler has handled the two-week standoff.

Right on cue, word leaks that Cutler will not show up for voluntary workouts on Monday. Sounds about right.

Klis writes that it's possible Cutler, who is represented by Bus Cook, could want guarantees from the Broncos in the form of a new contract (he's three years into his six-year rookie deal, and is scheduled to make just over $1 million in 2009). But short of that -- and there's been no indication that the organization is interested in giving Cutler more dough in light of recent events -- there's a decent chance the team's 2006 first-round pick is playing elsewhere in the not-too-distant future.

That would've been an absurd thought just a few weeks ago, but now it seems like a distinct possibility. And that could be potentially good news for the Lions and their fans (particularly those who would like the team to draft anybody but Stafford with the first-overall pick).

* exaggeration