Broncos Country Must Speak: Should Denver Trade QB Kyle Orton?

I’m not sure what we could get for Orton at this point, but I can’t imagine that it’d be a whole heck of a lot. Regardless of his accomplishments in the league, Kyle’s perennially underrated. I think the Broncos let him play out the string, allowing him to pick his way in free agency and letting the league compensate them for the loss. I still think Quinn was brought in to replace Simms and that Tebow superseded him…

It’s not like his value is dropping.

Marshall and Cutler and Scheffler were poison for the lockerroom. I havent seen anything from Orton to think he that he is inclined to whine. If he does, then thats the answer. That’s the only way I see him getting traded.

Nothing in orton’s demeanor has ever been about himself over the team. Who is to say that it’s not in his best interest to play for Denver one more season and put up big numbers? He knows he’s likely to be gone, but will he “sabotage” the team or complain about his situation? He didnt when they played Groosman.

If McD puts in Tebow or Quinn at some point in the season, it’s b/c he or the offense wasnt playing well.

Orton will be QB in this league whether as a starter or backup after this year. he knows that.

McD is not going to do anything that doesnt let him win.

So 2 reasons I see for Orton to be traded:

1) He wants out (which he’s never shown that type of attitude)
2) He gets out-played by Tebow AND Quinn. Both have to prove to be better or else we are one injury away from misery.

So no, I dont see him being traded.

It’s pretty obvious he’s not going to be in our future anyway. I say let Quinn and Tebow battle it out and give one or the other, or both, some experience running our offense. If we keep Orton on, he’ll only have to endure half the crowd chanting Quinn and the other half chanting Tebow (or the entire crowd chanting Tebow at Jacksonville). Besides, right now there are a bunch of teams scrambling to fill the QB position. If we wait until next year they’ll have more choices and we’ll lose leverage.

Ok, obviously Orton doesn’t have the same set of receivers as he did last year, however there have been additions to the line to help the run game. IMO I think with the Run helping out, Orton will have his best year this year. (barring any injuries). This gives Quinn, Tebow time to cover the play book(which is thick). Who knows, if Orton does Pro Bowl good, then we can get some good picks for him and he goes to the highest bidder. I think he will have his highest value at the end of 2011 not at the start of 2010. Just saying. GO BRONCOS! Oh and another note, I’d rather have a SB win with a cold calculated plan, than use a hasty plan that won’t get us anywhere, have some patience. SB SOON!

However, I think Quinn will become the starter around mid season (maybe for the game in London), and if he does well, Orton will be traded within a few weeks after that. Possibly to Minnesota.

Because I don’t want him to be traded, but there are signs showing that he will be. So if this question was “Should he” rather then “Will he” I’d answer it very differently.

trading Orton and starting Quinn would be taking a back seat to last season…Quinn hasn’t done anything worth applauding in his short career and that may or amy not be because of his offense in Clownsville, but would McD mak such a bold move? I seriously doubt it. Orton gave us a decent season even with coming from an offense that he did and learning a whole new system. And to top that offhe tore his finger damn near off and played with it, plus the ankle injury in Skinstown…Jeez, what more could we ask for? Seriously?

My take on all of this is, if Tebow is going to start the season then and only then does McD trade Orton and use Quinn as a backup. Quinn has not proven to anybody that he can start in the NFL.

I tend to think that Orton has a chance to be around for alot longer then people think.
Let me start by saying that as of today Orton has not shown what is necessary to be a QB that takes a team deep into the playoffs consistently. He was very average in his first year and has never been more than above average.
However I tend to think that another year in this system with the coaching he is getting that he will play far better this upcoming year.
If for example he takes this team to a playoff victory, he will get another chance in Denver. Whether it is under the franchise tag or a 2-3 year deal. Basically he is the QB and if he can elevate his game to the next level then I have a hard time imagining that he will be dealt if he is able to win a playoff game.

Also at best he is worth a third round pick and at worse somewhere near a fifth or sixth rounder. On the open market he will want a fair contract and at this point that may fall in top15 money, it will be tough for a team to trade for him and offer him that contract. The other problem with trading him is that many teams have no interest in a QB…..whether Orton is an upgrade or not most every team feels they are set for this season at QB. Basically if a team needed a starting QB, they would have spent the last 3 months getting one.
In the end I think it is far better to let Orton play the year and see if all the time and money spent on him will help him become a far better QB, if not then the Broncos move forward in the offseason…..however if he does produce then I don’t believe it is for sure that Orton will not be around next year

Nothing will give Tebow the tools to be successful like actual game-time experience. If he is ready to get into the game, then he should be given that opportunity. If he is not, then he should sit and learn. It sounds to me like both McD and Tebow are ready for him to start this season. He may struggle, but would he struggle any less next season???

Do the Broncos have enough information to KNOW Tebow or Quinn are ready at this point. Probably not.

Risk. But I would also say they have an idea of what they’d like to receive for Orton, and the first time that offer becomes available, I bet they pull the trigger. The risk of keeping him the entire season, should he get injured or under perform, will only reduce that value. Of course, he could kill it and raise his value, but somehow I’m not that hopeful.

I’d prefer Orton to start, but as soon as the Broncos see the right offer, I bet they jump on it…

You keep Orton on the team because he helps this team have a better chance at winning. Wether he is 1st, 2nd or 3rd string. When his value of helping the team is worth less than a draft pick then you trade him. Right now he is setting the bar for starting QB for Denver. Who ever wants the job has to beat him out why trade him away and make it easier for everyone eles. It doesn’t make sense to me. It’s not even June yet. Let’s get through the preseason first.

This has really blown up into a good debate, with much more to follow, I’m sure. Whether you like the writers or not makes no difference. Their columns have made for the most vigorous and entertaining debate I’ve seen in a while. I’ve enjoyed it more than the lead up to the draft. Just as the pre draft talk, it is all speculation and conjecture at this point. The guy with the short haircut, and the keys to the HC’s office will let the world at large know when he’s good and ready.

This offseason has turned out to be a blast! Go Broncos!

There are too many variables. Sure, Quinn looked good. But then, so did Simms at this juncture. You have to keep Orton until he is either out-played by the other three, or you get a gold- plated offer.

Besides, who is Woody to worry about “fairness” to Orton. Woody was a strident voice trying to get Orton benched in favor of Simms last year simply because Orton wasn’t exciting enough, and we know how well that turned out. What’s really fair? Give Orton the chance to earn or lose the starting job without some ink-snorting sports writer trying to undermine him.

McD continually states he wants to upgrade competition at all positions. Trading any of them downgrades it. Besides, KO’s a good qb, proven, and his experience benefits the Chosen One. Quinn is an unknown quantity, as all of them are except KO. Getting rid of the one known is not something the coach will do. Or should do. Surprise surprise, I disagree with Paige and Kisla.

The only thing that matters is what is in The Bronco’s best interest (and that is the way it should be). Orton being the only proven player on the roster and an inexpensive one at that, obviously will stay as long as needed. That could be for years or it could be until others prove themselves the better options as early as in training camp. There is no way Orton will be traded before a better alternative emerges.

Yep, from the writers that have a man crush on Tim Tebow.

I’m sure Orton will work pretty hard for his 2 million this year. No reason to rush Tebow and Quinn is unproven at this point.

The Broncos have Orton under contract and he’s going to be a lot better with better offensive and defensive lines and more tools this year. What do we gain by rushing Orton out the door? Woody’s ego getting a boost?

  Has tebow even finalized and signed his contract ?

Orton has experience that can help these 3 young quarterbacks tremendously especially in this system. I think Orton could easily be the man this year. Give Tebow one year to learn the system then he starts next year with Quinn and Brandstater behind him.

The wild card is Brandstater we really don’t know how far he’s progressed in the system as well, and showed great poise last year in the preseason. My question on him is his ability to lead he seems a little passive, but I could be wrong.

I think Orton wins either way so I’m not buying the “it’s not fair to Orton” angle. If Orton plays well this year, UFA awaits him. If Orton gets traded then he’s probably going to get a new contract to go along with it. Good for Orton. I think he deserves it personally. Unless he signs with the Raiders then screw him. :)

What I’m still pondering is how the players react and follow if their QB has this “lame-duck” or “keep Tebow’s position warm” persona. They’re professionals of course and will give it their best, but it doesn’t have that aura of we’re going to the superbowl this year feel to it.

How much excitement will it build if our starting QB is more seat warmer than team leader?

is that Orton has promised to bring his best game, and make the decision tough on the coaches. I like to see some fire out of Kyle, and in the past Kyle has stepped up to competition this could be fun to watch!

We would we go with two guys that have only just started learning it.

Sure Tebow might be learning fast, but that is just in reference to the playbook, i doubt he has even had a chance to break down other teams and learn how Josh expects him to read Ds.

Quinn may be looking good, but looking good and doing good are different things. It may just be a case of he has done a good job of fixing some of his mechanical inconsistencies, we have know way of knowing right now.

Brandstater also has one year in the system just like Orton but he doesn’t have the same game experience Kyle has.

Simply put, Kyle Orton right now is the starting QB why would we trade him unless we where sure that one of the other guys could do well, and that will definitely not be the conclusion until after training camp.

and any other Gator fans. I don’t think Tebow will start anytime soon but we welcome all the viewpoints we can get :D

Wouldn’t it be smart to at least get through mandatory mini-camp before going all-in with the Quinn/Tebow tandem? I’d gather that what the Broncos have reportedly been happy with in Quinn to this point has been his ability to stay on top of the playbook terminology and his execution during some throwing drills. Quinn’s play on the field has been very much substandard over the past 2+ seasons. What if McX were to decide to trade KO today to a Buffalo or an Arizona only to find out after 2 pre-season games that Quinn can’t fill the bill? Our remaining option is to plug Tebow in ready or not.

Tebow or no Tebow, I’ve felt that KO would be a serviceable quarterback for just the near term but that in no ways does it translate into making him our 3rd option with our current corps of quarterbacks. I’m not even close to putting Quinn in at #1 right now. I need to see it with my eyes from his play on the field competing with the other QBs on the roster.

KO deserves at least that.

If McDaniels can get a high enough draft pick like an early 3rd or 2nd rounder, then I say pull the trigger. Orton is most likely not going to be a Bronco in 2011. If Quinn has shown he can suffice for the year then I think we should definitely do it. Will we do better with Quinn then with Orton? Probably not. Quinn is still getting used to the offense. . If we can some how get a 2nd then we pull the trigger even if that means we aren’t going to do well in 2010. We would have 3 2nd round draft picks in 2011. That would be a great way to truly reload the team with young, talented players and really solidify ourselves.

But if we can’t get a high pick then I think we should keep him and maybe try and do a sign and trade after the season.

Orton completely realizes the only way he gets benched is if he under performs. As a competitor he is 100% aware that he was no safety net this year and is looking to get paid next year. If he performs, then he will make it impossible for McD to replace him. I cant belive for 1 second that Quinn and Tebow can come in and in 1 off season have an understanding on the offense like Orton. If Quinn was that talented he would have won the job with the Browns, and Tebow is hasnt even taken an NFL snap..

i also think its wrong for anyone to speak for whats right for Orton, his best chance for a strong future in the league is to peform at a high level and to get paid well next year. Not to be shipped to a new team.

We dont know that Tebow will be ready now or ever. Bu the articles that started this “stuff” was about whats best for Orton and the Broncos. If Orton and the offense perform we win. If we win Orton will have a chance to cash in and Tebow will have a year of watching under his belt. Quinn is not and never will be an answer to this team. He is a cheap back up.

There are two QB depth charts to consider here. One is the current one, prior to Training Camp (TC,) while the other should take form after TC has concluded.

From my observations of McD this offseason, there is nothing that he wants more than competition in camp. And that includes TC. He wants the top 3 QBs to be Denver Broncos in 2010.

That said, here’s our depth chart at the position right now:

1. Orton (he understands the offense well and has a full year as the starter under his belt)
2. Quinn or Brandstater (Quinn has NFL experience, but has been away from this system for 3 years, while Brandy has had a full year to learn and may challenge for the bakup spot)
3. Tebow (he’s a rookie)

To trade any of the above would do a major disservice to the competition that McD is after in TC. Therefore, they must all be retained through TC, to that end.

Afterwards, should McD decide to trade one of them, his most logical choice will be the weaker of the two backups (or #2 on the depth chart.) If Quinn’s better than Brandy, then he can go to Jacksonville, Carolina, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, or Arizona. Conversely, if Brandy’s the better QB, then perhaps Quinn can be traded at that point. Teams will be more desparate right before the season and some of the teams I listed run a similar system to ours.

Through competition, all of our QBs will be better and will push each other more than if they understood well, that they’re on the team for at least one year.

Thus after TC, the depth chart may look like:

1. Orton
2. Quinn (Brandstater traded or vice versa)
3. Tebow

And each one of them will be better for it.

Because of his experience, work ethic, and understanding of the offense, I do not believe that Orton will be traded any sooner than the end of the season. Imagine his value if we make the playoffs! I understand that it’s easier said than done, but it is possible.

He may start the season at QB, but there is no guarantee on whether he’ll end the season as the starter. That is all up to him, as it is his job to lose right now. It is also possible that he’ll end up a backup in Denver and never leave. Who knows?

But his trade value is somewhere in between a 5th round pick and a ham sandwich, based on his upside, skill set, and contract. I do not understand why the team would trade him, when it might be less risky to carry four QBs into the 2010 season and just see what happens. If Tebow and Quinn become your 1 and 2, or 2 and 1; then you could always cut Orton.
At least that way there’s a vet their for another year or part of until this QB situation gets sorted.

But not this year. Its obvious his days are numbered but we’ve invested a lot of time in him learning this offense and as of right now he’s the most experienced option. If one of the other guys comes up and takes the job then great. We want the best guy out there. But I am not sure it makes sense to pull the trigger on that right now. Just my 2 cents.

recently with his pro Tebow articles. If we all thought he was an idiot before when he was bashing McD or other Bronco personnel, isn’t it entirely possible that he’s still an idiot with regards to this topic? He’s the same guy writing the same crap isn’t he? Or was he given a brain over night?

My whole point is a lot of us here at MHR never put any stock into what he says when it’s negative, but now that it’s something that a lot of us here want to hear, it’s a valid opinion. We should be consistent with our approach to Woody because if he wasn’t worth reading while we disagreed he’s still not worth reading when we do.

but isn’t he a free agent next year? this year he can play well and earn his next contract. it would be not fair to keep him on the bench all year. i think he should play this year. if he plays well and wants to stay for a reasonable contract, fine. if he plays and wants to sign somewhere else for big money then thats also fine as we have BQ and Tebow.

…Griese with Plummer? Plummer with Cutler? Cutler with Cassel?

[“Apples and oranges?” Nope. It goes without even saying that Griese first caught wind of Plummer, just like Plummer first caught wind of Cutler…and Cutler first caught wind of Cassel.]

None made it past that first-season after catching wind, did they?

So the issue isn’t a matter of “should” or “will,” but “when,” and with history as an indicator, it probably won’t be a full-season, anyway.

Why would it be much different for Orton (or Quinn or Tebow) than it was for Griese, Plummer, and Cutler?

“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” George Santayana

Nice discussions going on here today and sounds like everyone is ready for some football OTA’s & TC.

I think Denver has lost its winning culture of late and it’s not okay to settle for 500 seasons by comparing us to Browns & Lions. I for one can’t accept being just okay and we’re better than those two lowly losing teams.

For the first time since Elway & Shanahan brought us winning culture we now have Tebow & McDaniels who could very well replicate the same results.

Amazing how Elway & Mike only had 1 losing season over the course of 14 years when Shanahan was HC. I think having that comaradrie goes a long way and I can see Tebow & McD having the same chemistry / relationship. With chemistry you don’t always have to have the best talent to win. With that said;

I’m ready for the New ERA to start during OTA’s and TC. I’m curious to see if the CHEMISTRY is what I think it is? With chemistry that winning culture you talked about will be back. For the sake of team chemistry I think it would be best to trade Orton and move on. I don’t think Brady Quinn will have any issues being back up to Tebow simular to when Gary Kubiak was life time back up to John Elway.

We are discussing the upcoming season, specifically the offensive plan, as the same as last year and generally the same offense we saw in NE.

I say Nay-Nay!

Several others have alluded to this, but I think we would do well to focus on it. McD has said he intends to do things that have not been seen before in the NFL and that he is going to incorporate elements of Urban Meyer’s offense from Florida. I note that Tebow played there and was a somewhat better than average QB in that system.

Let’s take McD at his word. That would mean that the QB skills that were needed last year (and in NE) are not the same ones that will be needed next year and in future years. With the offense taking a great leap forward by (possibly incrementally) creating an offense that incorporates the option or some variation thereof, a highly mobile QB is needed. Tebow is. Quinn is. TB is. Sadly, Orton is not. Also, note that there has been no raving about Orton in the various press releases and interviews.

If it is true that McD’s vision for the offense includes a mobile QB, then Orton is no longer the best option even taking into account his familiarity with the existing parts of the offense. The Wild Horses formation was a bit of a joke in that no one believed Orton was going to either run or go out for a pass. I’m not saying that the Wild Horses is our new base offense, but I am saying that offensive formation which requires a mobile QB to do successfully highlights Orton’s mobility weakness. Tebow is as big as a LB and can outrun most of them. He had a 6.66 in the 3 cone: he’s hard to keep up with when he changes direction. It doesn’t matter how well Orton did in the last incarnation of the offense; he simply doesn’t have the skills that are required in the new offense. The only real question is when is the peak time to trade him?

And I am chomping at the bit to see this new offense that McD has been hinting at!

And I’m with you, I can’t wait to see what our offense will look like in the future.

I actually think that McD has had his eye on Tebow for several years as he visited Meyer with Belichik more than once. I think he outlined a new iteration for an offense to Pat Bowlen and I think he blew Bowlen away. Furthermore, I think that conversation included Tebow as a primary candidate to run it. I think Tebow was McD’s target all along and that wasn’t readily apparent because McD is as sneaky as he is smart. BTW, that’s a good thing.

Hogwash. Shortsightedness. Not you Sayre, just the idea in general.

Kyle Orton, at this point, gives this team the best chances of winning. Kyle Orton, at this point, gives the coaching staff more time, not less time, to “coach up” Tebow (something I’m guessing they want). The two ideas are one and the same. Because Kyle Orton is well versed and more than a year deep in this playbook and personnel, he won’t require as much attention as it would take to get Quinn and/or Tebow that ready. Plus, and this is important, keeping him here gives us nearly zero risk of playing week-one with a QB not ready to win. Losing him, magnifies that risk exponentially.

As for the idea that it unfair to Orton. BS. Unfair to Orton is paying him relative peanuts (although that’s the NFL’s fault as a collective, not Broncos Brass). Also unfair to Orton, would be to trade him right now to a team that he doesn’t have much say in choosing. Giving him the opportunity to perform as a mid-tier (or better) QB again, for the 2nd season in a row, will buy him a bigger contract, give us more trade value, and we would be in better position to allow him to have more say in where he goes. A sign of respect that should be given.

Trading Orton now is proposterous. Remember how long Claussen and other QB’s lasted in this draft? Nobody is going to offer much, and he’s got a better shot at starting for a winning team right here in Denver than any where else. Trading Orton is to bet against him that Tebow or Quinn is ready to start and win against the strength of our schedule, the beginning. A risk I’m not willing to take. And I certainly don’t think McDaniels is that dangerous either.