So much for the Denver Broncos heads not having faith in Tim Tebow.
“This was the right decision for our football team. We feel good about our quarterback group, and this gives Kyle [Orton] an opportunity to help another team and showcase his talents." Head Coach John Fox
The Broncos have waived quarterback Kyle Orton. Curious timing, but the Broncos could save the $2.5-million remaining on Orton contract if he is picked up off of waivers.
Even more curious is the fact that both the Chicago Bears (Orton's former team and an opponent that the Broncos will face in a few weeks) and Houston Texans (a potential playoff contender) are both desperate for a starting quarterback. If both teams put in claims for the Broncos former starter, the Texans would have waiver priority. The Kansas City Chiefs (another opponent on Denver's current schedule) may also be in play for Orton's services.
Now the most curious is why would Denver not hold onto Orton and take the compensatory pick that would have been awarded had he left via free agency, avoiding having to play against Orton for the reminder of the 2011 season.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Orton and his agent David Dunn presented the idea of cutting Orton to Denver officials when it was learned that Jay Cutler broke his thumb on Sunday.
"I would like to thank Kyle for all his work with the Denver Broncos. In the three years that he’s been here, he’s been an absolute pro. We thought it was best for the Broncos at this time as well as for Kyle to catch on with a different team." Vice President of Football Operations John Elway.
Here is Orton's current contract information (courtesy of our KaptainKirk): Kyle Orton Quarterback 8/19/2010: Signed a two-year, $11.621 million contract. The deal contains $5.499 million guaranteed, including $2.879 million of his second-year base salary. 2011: $6.89 million (+ $1.5 million roster bonus), 2012: Free Agent.
Orton was drafted by Chicago in the fourth round of 2005 and was traded to Denver in 2009.
This move leaves Tebow, Brady Quinn and Adam Weber as the remaining quarterbacks on the Broncos roster, although for now Weber remains on the practice squad.