New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has insisted that he has full control over the club's 53-man roster, but has revealed that he will take his time to make a decision over quarterback Jay Cutler.

Pace joined the Bears from the New Orleans Saints as a replacement for Phil Emery, and is adamant that he must build a solid relationship between his new head coach and quarterback quickly.

"The 53-man roster, to answer your question, yes," Pace told reporters. "But my experience is in New Orleans, the relationship between the head coach and general manager, that's critical. So is the head coach and the quarterback. Those are the two most important relationships in the building.

"The quarterback obviously is a critical, critical position. But it's not the only position. For us to have sustained success, all 53 guys have to be accounted for. I want to get to know Jay, get to know him further, before I come to these conclusions."

The Bears have not reached the post-season since the 2010 campaign.