Bears GM Ryan Pace: 'We're moving forward with Jay Cutler' as starter

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace confirmed on Wednesday that the team was moving forward with Jay Cutler as the starting quarterback.

The Chicago Bears are looking toward the 2015 season with Jay Cutler in the starting role as a quarterback, the team's general manager, Ryan Pace, said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Pace's statement dispels speculation that Cutler would lose his status as the team's starter. The general manager said the decision was, in part, the result of a review of the team's personnel.

"We went through a process of thoroughly evaluating the roster and we're moving forward with Jay Cutler as our starting quarterback," Pace said. "We spent time with him on a personal basis. It's getting to know him as a person, like I said initially ... [that] helped us come to this conclusion."

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[daily_cut.nfl]Prior to Wednesday, the team had not made a commitment to Cutler as the starter. Cutler is guaranteed $15.5 million in salary this year, and will receive $10 million in guaranteed money in 2016.

Cutler, a nine-year veteran, joined Chicago in 2009 after three seasons with the Denver Broncos. Last season, Cutler completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 15 games. He has a career 61.7 completion percentage with 27,749 yards and 183 touchdowns.

During the press conference, the team also introduced Chicago's new linebacker, Pernell McPhee, who joins the team after four years and a Super Bowl championship with the Baltimore Ravens.

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- Christopher Woody