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The Bernstein Brief: Stop Worrying About Jay Cutler

By Dan Bernstein-
CBSChicago.com senior columnist

(CBS) When John Fox answers questions for the first time as Bears head coach, you can bet that he will be queried repeatedly about Jay Cutler. It's just what people seem conditioned to do.

And while it's understandable that so much concern remains among media and fans about the most expensive player at the most important position, it's all a bit silly. Cutler doesn't matter that much, anymore.

When the Bears are contending again, it will be with a different quarterback.

It's either one more year or no more years, depending on what new general manager Ryan Pace and his new coach want to do. All understand the cost is largely sunk, save for some accounting relative to the salary cap, and next year carries minimal expectations of success, regardless. It's a clean-up season from the toxic dump Marc Trestman and Phil Emery created.

There's no more trying to maximize or justify Cutler, no more customizing the team around his whims, no more hoping against hope that he becomes what he never has. To spend so much time worrying about his future with the Bears is a waste of time.

Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter  @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.

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