Well, that didn't take long.
The Bears are showing Jay Cutler the money. And it's a nice chunk of change.
The 26-year-old QB gets an extension through 2013 worth $30 million with $20 million of that in guaranteed cash, according to several sources.
The deal ranks Cutler fifth among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks behind Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers.
Cutler, 26, is still under contract through 2011 on his six-year, $47.86 million rookie deal signed with the Broncos. By obviating a 2011 lockout, Cutler gets an early chunk of change and the prospect, if things don't work out, of being on the open market as a veteran and still-young 30-year-old gunslinger.
The deal also works well for the Bears.
Cutler was due a $12 million roster bonus in 2011, but that money basically now goes to his contract. That gives them room to, presumably, build up players around their franchise QB.