Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has kept faith in Jay Cutler by confirming that he will be their number one quarterback this season.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move away from the franchise in recent months, but Pace has confirmed that he will stay and pick up his £10.4m salary.

He told reporters: "We went through the process of thoroughly evaluating the roster and we're moving forward with Jay as our starting quarterback."

Cutler, who joined the Bears from the Denver Broncos in 2009, has thrown 129 touchdowns for the team in six seasons.