First to being with we need to look at the ‘Original’ plan or what EFX were originally thinking when they decided to put Orton on the open market at the end of the lockout. Remember for the first week leading into the start of training camp the Broncos were trying to move Orton onto another team. The deal was only stopped because Orton could not come to agreement on a new deal. At this time remember that the Broncos also signed QB Adam Weber as a College Free Agent. It is my belief the Broncos would have moved Orton on and gone with the remaining 3 QBs, being Tebow, Quinn and Weber. With Tebow and Quinn fighting it out for the top two spots. Of course Orton stuffed that all up and won the starting job. Orton’s plan going into the season was to probably play as well as he could and get a new deal with another team as he already knew he was not in the future plans of the Broncos.
That gets as to the current point in time. Orton’s plan tanked as much as he did and now Tebow is the starting QB for the rest of the year. So what happens now? There are three scenarios that could take place.
The first would be we keep Orton in a backup role. He becomes second string leaving Quinn number 3 and never getting his chance to start. There are a few issues with this situation. There is the locker room, will the players and all the coaches for that matter be on the bandwagon, will they all play for Tebow or will there be disgruntle players. One could be Lloyd, he has been vocal in the past. But remember Lloyd is out for himself and that big contract. He will want the QB that gives him the best chance to be up big numbers. Whether that is Orton or Tebow is to be seen. Only time will tell. Secondly there is Orton himself. Will he be a cancer in the locker room? Will he undermine Tebow’s leadership and be a distraction? I doubt it, doesn’t seem like that is a part of Orton’s character to act that way. However these are all issues that need to be considered in making any personal decision. It is my opinion that nothing probably comes of this. Orton sits quietly on the bench the rest of the year and signs somewhere else next.
Scenario two is that Orton is traded. The first issue with this is not many if any trades occur in the middle of the year before the trade deadline. Which it in itself is not too far off, restricting any possible time frame on a deal. Then what teams would be interested in Orton and what is his trade value. The Seahawks and Dolphins (again) may be interested as both have had issues with QB play and injuries. But what price do you put on Orton after a dismal start to the year? I say we get whatever we can. Maybe a depth player or a late round draft pick. If we are trying to trade him we won’t have much to bargain with. The other perspective of this scenario is what if Orton requests a trade? Again I doubt Orton requests a trade or is very vocal, like I said before it is not really in his character but he does want to be a starter. This may cause a distraction to the locker room with an upset player but I think it is unlikely.
The third and finally option is Orton is straight up cut. The Broncos have had enough of Orton and will go with the remaining 3 QBS instead. This also allows Orton to sign with a team of his choice. But I pretty sure that EFX won’t let Orton just walk for nothing. However then why let him ride the pine all year to just leave at the end?
This I think really comes down to how he handles himself in the coming week. If he is vocal I can see him being traded at a discount price or we could just get rid of him. Otherwise Orton goes off quietly into the setting sun over the Rockies. Here's a Mile High Salute to the Neckbeard. ~ Aussie
