In one of the more bizarre stories this offseason, Jay Cutler reportedly was almost traded by the Broncos in a three-team deal involving Matt Cassel, the Chiefs, the Patriots, the Lions, the Bucs, a milkshake machine, a monkey, a tricycle, a kazoo and a whistle.

The deal obviously never went through because the Patriots agreed to send Cassel and linebacker Mike Vravel to the Chiefs for a second round pick, but apparently Cutler is now upset that his name was even brought up in a possible trade.

Tampa approached Denver to try to make a three-way trade that would have sent Cassel to the Broncos and quarterback Jay Cutler to the Buccaneers. The Broncos entertained the notion and pondered it but ultimately decided against it.

Also, the Lions approached the Broncos about a trade for Cutler, trying to dangle Cassel as bait. Once again, Denver debated the deal and opted against it apparently. What made it a moot point was that while all Tampa, Detroit and Denver engaged in trade talks with New Engalnd, the Patriots went ahead and dealt Cassel to the Chiefs.

This is what Cutler said in response to the trade talks:

“I’m upset. I mean I’m really shocked at this point,” he said. “I could see why they want Cassel. I don’t know if they think I can’t run the system or I don’t have the skills for it. I just don’t get it. Or if they don’t think they can sign me with my next contract. I just don’t know what it is. I’ve heard I’m still on the trading block.”

According to ProFootballTalk.com, Cutler was as good as gone from Denver at one point, but you have to take what PFT says with a grain of salt because their unnamed sources only hit about 50% of the time.

This is a wild rumor and if it’s true, it makes sense. McDaniels is more familiar with Cassel then he is Cutler and if he felt that Cassel gave the Broncos a better chance to win, then seeking a trade isn’t that far-fetched.

And I don’t blame Cutler for being upset. His new head coach isn’t giving him a vote of confidence by trying to trade for Cassel, although Cutler also has to strap on the big boy pants and be a professional. Trades happen. If this rumor is true and the trade fell through, Cutler still has an obligation to the Broncos. Buck up, Jay.