Cutler has asked for a trade after meetings and conference calls with new coach Josh McDaniels haven't gone well. Cutler has been upset since word spread that the Broncos were trying to acquire Matt Cassel in a trade for Cutler. Cutler told ESPN.com he didn't think the Broncos wanted to fix the situation.

The choice the Broncos face now is either trading their unhappy quarterback or trying to work things out. Working things out with Cutler will mean both sides coming to a mutual respect, something that seems a ways off.

In reality, that might be the best option for both parties. Cutler is under contract for three more years. He could make life difficult for the Broncos, but he would eventually have to play.

Denver doesn't have many options either. They signed Chris Simms to be the backup quarterback. Since breaking into the NFL in 2003, Simms has passed for 3,094 yards and 12 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. Cutler had 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions last season.

Also, since suffering a serious spleen injury in 2006, he has played in one game, and completed one of his two passes for seven yards. Going from Cutler to Simms would be a major downgrade for the Broncos.

There aren't any fantastic starting options left at this point in free agency. Trading Cutler for a draft pick could get the Broncos another highly-touted quarterback, but Cutler is already a Pro Bowl player and the team would be starting fresh. Combined with a suspect defense, having Simms or a rookie starting at quarterback could mean a long year in Denver.

Although a resolution seems far off, the Broncos need to figure out if they can reconcile with their franchise quarterback. If not, the Broncos' offense would take a major step back.