Jay Cutler was as surprised as the general public by Marc Trestman's decision to bench him in favor of Jimmy Clausen.

"Shocked I think at first, I didn't see it coming," Cutler said Thursday of his initial reaction.

Cutler would like to remain with the Chicago Bears despite the sensitive end of the season.

"I would like to stay here," Cutler said. "I really like it here. I love the guys in the locker room. This is where I'd like to be."

The 31-year-old quarterback is in his sixth season in Chicago and signed a seven-year, $127 million contract in the offseason, with $54 million guaranteed.