Jay Cutler is officially heading for the open market.

The Chicago Bears made the long-expected move on the first day of free agency, cutting ties with the veteran quarterback Thursday after eight seasons.

Cutler reportedly requested his release, and now becomes an unrestricted free agent.

It's not clear whether a significant market for his services will develop, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the list of teams potentially interested in Cutler begins with the New York Jets. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the interest is mutual.

The move follows news that the club would sign Mike Glennon to a three-year deal worth $14.5 million per year, a clear sign the longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup was being brought in to start.

Cutler started 139 games after landing in Chicago by way of a blockbuster trade from the Denver Broncos in 2009. Though injuries limited him to just five contests last season, other teams may be encouraged by his play beforehand.

Starting all but one game in 2015, Cutler completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.