The Chicago Bears want to avoid using their franchise tag on Jay Cutler this offseason.

"With the franchise tag being so high for the quarterback position," general manager Phil Emery wrote during a fan Q&A on the team's official website, "to use it and not sign the individual to a long-term deal hurts the team because you lose the ability to prorate the amount of guaranteed salary over the length of the contract.

"Proration lowers the salary cap number in relation to that player's contract. Obviously the lower the number in relation to the salary cap, the more players you can sign to help your team reach its goals."

Cutler has been injured and Josh McCown has played well in his absence.

Cutler has previously stated that he would be comfortable playing in 2014 for the Bears under the franchise tag.