I still think the Denver Broncos made a mistake in considering any deals in which quarterback Jay Cutler would have gone to Detroit or Tampa Bay in a three-way deal that would have brought Matt Cassel in return.

That said, when I wrote this morning’s post I had yet to read Sports Illustrated’s Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column.

The revelation that Cutler had already been upset with the team and asked for a trade when offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, a Cutler confidant, left for USC doesn’t change my mind. But it does raise questions about the genuineness of Cutler’s anger toward being included in talks in the first place.

Further reports throughout the day indicating that Cutler has now locked himself in his room like a petulant child and is refusing to speak with Broncos officials raise questions about his maturity.

Cutler, until proven otherwise, is still a better player than Cassel. His college resume is better, his professional performance is better – Cassel still has to prove that he can repeat the success he had in 2008 without Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Bill Belichick helping him out.

That said, the new information might provide some context for why the Broncos at least felt out what kinds of offers would be available to them.

Now, while the Broncos and Cutler will likely have to make nice there are some reports out there that the quarterback might still be on the market. At least one report indicates that the Minnesota Vikings have inquired about his availability. And KFAN-AM, a Minneapolis sports talk show hasn’t done anything to stop throwing fuel on the fire.

Vikings fans, however, need to take a deep breath. The Broncos are not going to trade Cutler for Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels and a 4th round draft pick, as emailers have apparently suggested to some of the hosts. Those offers are laughable. The Broncos would be foolish to consider trading Cutler without getting either a first round draft choice or an established quarterback in return – neither Rosenfels nor Jackson fit that bill.

To those who are suggesting such an offer, you are making yourself look foolish – far more foolish than either the Broncos or Cutler have looked as news of the Broncos-Patriots-Lions-Bucs talks has leaked.