Cutler's potential suitors (cont.)

5. Chicago

The Broncos might prefer landing a proven starter like Chicago's Kyle Orton over drafting a rookie. John Biever/SI Don Banks's Mailbag Submit a comment or question to Don Banks. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND Follow Don Banks on Twitter

The Bears have sworn their loyalty to Kyle Orton, at least for now. But that's what they have to say, just as they did for Rex Grossman -- until they didn't. Chicago is not known for making bold moves at quarterback, but a package of their No. 18 pick, Orton, and maybe another choice could at least get them on the Broncos' radar. If Denver had to make due with Orton as its starter for the time being, it could do a lot worse.

Motivation meter: 7.2

6. San Francisco

Would the Broncos consider being the team to give Alex Smith a fresh start? The 49ers are prepared to go into camp with Shaun Hill, Smith and maybe a rookie quarterback taken in the draft, but they have to be intrigued with the idea of adding Cutler. If San Francisco was willing to woo Kurt Warner last month, it will certainly have some interest in exploring Cutler's market. With the No. 10-overall pick from the 49ers, the Broncos might be in position to add USC's Mark Sanchez as their quarterback of the future.

Motivation meter: 7.0

7. Minnesota

The Vikings might rightly reason that they'd be Super Bowl material with Cutler on board, but unless the Broncos covet either Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson -- and I doubt they do -- this is a deal that will probably never materialize.

Motivation meter: 6.9

8. Jacksonville

I've predicted the Jaguars will select Sanchez at No. 8 in my last couple of mock drafts because I hear they like him and that David Garrard is no fixture in the position after a less-than-scintillating 2008 season. Owning a top 10 pick that could be used to fill Denver's long-term need at quarterback makes Jacksonville an option.

Motivation meter: 6.7

9. Washington

We've learned to never underestimate Daniel Snyder's impulse to go for the make-a-splash move. The Redskins can convince themselves of almost anything when they get in the mood to deal, so the notion of trading Jason Campbell for another quarterback with the same initials is far from unfathomable. Campbell is entering the final year of his contract, and the Redskins seem lukewarm on his future in D.C.

Motivation meter: 6.5

10. Carolina

The thought is that with Julius Peppers available to move, the Panthers have some real bargaining power that defensively challenged Denver would have to entertain. But two things about this scenario bother me: Landing franchise quarterbacks via trade does not fit the low-key way John Fox and Marty Hurney usually go about their business, and Peppers may not want to play for Denver. He's already made up his list of teams he'd be willing to consider, right?

Motivation meter: 5.0

11. Tennessee

There are plenty of Titans fans who want to see Cutler return home to Nashville, where he played collegiately with Vanderbilt. But I'm not sure many of those voices emanate from Tennessee's team complex. Though I'm sure the Titans wouldn't mind moving Vince Young in any deal, Jeff Fisher is committed to giving Kerry Collins every chance to run his offense for another year or two, and that reality wouldn't make Mr. Cutler very happy.

Motivation meter: 4.5

12. Philadelphia

I'm putting the Eagles on my list just for the fun that would ensue if it became known Philly were shopping Donovan McNabb. You think Cutler kicked up a fuss in Denver? You ain't seen nothing yet. With two first-round picks, the Eagles at least have the juice to make a run at Cutler if they want.

Motivation meter: 4.0

MORE COVERAGE
KING: Broncos, Cutler finally reach a stalemate