...UPDATE #2...
ESPN is reporting Cutler's Agent approached the Broncos for permission to seek a trade and was told NO... Put this potential acquisition to bed!
...UPDATE...
More on Cutler wanting out: "My understanding at this point is they're trying to trade me," Cutler said this afternoon. "We'll see where I end up at. I liked it here, I liked playing with these guys but obviously they're not going to let me have that opportunity." - Denver Post
So apparently the Buccaneers attempted to trade for Broncos QB Jay Cutler today, WOW. People don't just up and trade franchise QB's do they? Here's how it went down via the Pewter Report:
"The Bucs apparently were attempting to orchestrate a three-way trade that would have sent Cassel to Denver to reunite him with former Patriots offensive coordinator and new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler to Tampa Bay and presumably one of the Bucs' premium draft picks to the Patriots."
This of course did not happen today as the Patriots opted out and just traded Cassel to the Chiefs. Damn you football gods. Why? Let's move past this and think of the ripple effect...
This exact scenario presented itself last off-season. The Bucs had Jeff Garcia (aka Luke McCown) and attempted to trade for Brett Favre (aka Jay Cutler). We all know the outcome (hint: Garcia pouted). Will the same happen with Luke McCown? Do you even care? I guess it's different in that McCown isnt considered the hands down starter, nor has he been promised the job.
Oh what could have been. As ghosthippo would say, Baby Jebus is crying for the Bucs this day, the 28th of February. Maybe March will present better luck.
Added by The Bull Gator
However, there might still be a chance - even if it's just a small one. ESPN reports that Cutler wants out of Denver. He feels slighted by the organization for listening to trade offers for the quarterback. Cutler has now asked permission to seek trade partners on his own, but was denied by the Broncos. There's still a lot of time left until the season starts, but if the Broncos can't smooth this over, they may have one very mad QB on their hands.
Hat tip to the420bucsfan for the info