In a shocking play to regain supremacy in the always competitive NFC North, the Chicago Bears have completed a deal with Denver to acquire Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler.

Multiple sources are confirming the trade, including the Broncos front office.

The Bears are sending QB Kyle Orton to Denver, along with their first round picks in 2009 and 2010.

There has been no word as to any contract extension between Cutler and the Bears, although it’s doubtful that Chicago would have made the deal unless a general understanding was in place that the two sides would be able to work out an arrangement.

This move certainly shifts the balance of power back to Chicago, as they now have a legitimate franchise QB for the first time in recent memory. Giving up two first round picks certainly affects their ability to address other needs, but owning a quarterback of Cutler’s caliber is worth the price they had to pay.

We’ll have more on this later on this evening, so check back in a bit for the latest analysis.