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Former Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler's retirement is staring at him from the lack of interest in the recent NFL free-agent market. 

But Cutler apparently still has the itch to play and would be willing to play for a discounted rate for a chance at playing on a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

ESPN's Ed Werder reports after having "spoken to the people involved" that Cutler might consider taking less money to play for a contender like the Houston Texans.

Might have no other options considering lack of suitors. I think he wants to play and would take less than starter money for team like HOU https://t.co/Xh4YwaHcNR

The market for the 11-year veteran has not been robust. The only team known to have been interested in him were the lowly New York Jets. And they quashed Cutler's chances there by signing Josh McCown to a one-year deal earlier this month. 

After striking out in their pursuit for Tony Romo, the Texans have a gaping hole at quarterback with Tom Savage as their only real option at this time.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien is said to be salivating at the chance to draft Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech. 

But Cutler would give them a legitimate starter with 139 games of NFL starting experience. 

Would his career be reborn by playing for a contending team? 

It's happened before. 

Jim Plunkett and Kurt Warner are two of the more notable players in NFL history who had success with fresh starts after their careers looked finished.

Cutler, who will turn 34 later this month, would like to be the next on the list.

Tgriffin@express-news.net

Twitter: @TimGriffinBig12 

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