Is that your Final Answer?

Until something concrete happens, this will be my final say on Bronco's QB Jay Cutler. At this point, I am going to move forward with the idea that the Lions are entering the draft with their current complement of players and picks.

First off, long weekend with sick kids. I'm beat, but I love the great back and forth in the comments going on last story -- if you haven't read them, take the time. Well worth it!

I'm actually very close to 5BakerStreet (glad to see your comment -- always insightful!) in where I stand on trading for Cutler.

I DO NOT want Jay Cutler if the Lions end up with a net loss of more than one 1st through 3rd round pick. Period.

Both scenarios I am in favor of --

1. Cutler for any ONE: 1,20, OR 33
2. Cutler and 12 for 1 and 20 (lose 1 and 20, gain 12 and cutler)

-- amount to a net loss of one draft pick.

I am willing to say yes, a 25 year old pro-bowl QB is building with youth IF you only give up one guy for him. For instance, Cutler at one overall or Stafford? Cutler is the better gamble.
Where I don't want to see it go is Cutler at 1...20...65...and maybe a pick next year which is what some delusional people are suggesting.

If that is the asking price, Mayhew should tell them to stick it up their Millen and keep the picks. I can see Cutler being worth more to the Lions in the long run than any one guy in this draft. But any 2, 3, 4? NO WAY!

IF the Lions were a team with few holes a QB away, then yes - why not? But a team with more holes than Swiss cheese? With more openings than people in line for unemployment in Michigan? Nope. Not for the Lions.

Even the other teams supposedly bidding -- like Tampa Bay -- are not whom I would expect Cutler to help the most. Tampa Bay, for instance, is just starting a rebuild as big as the Lions are with a rookie GM and Coach (who's never even been a coordinator). Yet, they gave up a 2nd and something else for Winslow -- a beat up, oft injured TE. Now they want to give up more picks for a QB?

How about a line? How about the fact you have about 3 starters left on your defense? And this is TAMPA, not Detroit! They are chillin like Millen down there based on their ifseason moves -- and my gut says they are not in for a bright near future down there...

Meanwhile, back here in Detroit? As long as Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Lewand remember that Matt Millen is no longer running the Lions, and not grossly overpaying includes trading for QB's -- we will be fine. Stick with your plan gentlemen, it's looking good so far.

I know that there will be tons of Lions fans dreaming of a great young QB from now til Cutler's situation is settled. I will not be one of them. If dreaming of a QB means dreaming of a gutted team for an additional year, then you can count me out.

And that is my final answer.