As it stands, the Bears have paid Cutler $22.5 million this season and must pay him $15.5 million in 2015 whether he is on the team or they release him. If he's on the roster March 12, the third day of the NFL league year, a $10 million guarantee for 2016 kicks in. So, the stakes rise in another three months. ESPN reported there is offset language in the contract that would reduce what the Bears owe. For instance, if the team released him and he signed elsewhere for $5 million, the Bears would owe him only $10.5 million, still a hefty bill for a player not on your roster.