Reports from Denver and Miami on Friday state that the Broncos and Dolphins could not agree in terms to trade quarterback Kyle Orton to the Sunshine State.
Orton, 28, has been linked to several teams since the NFL lockout lifted. It appears as there will be competition between Orton and 2010 first-round pick Tim Tebow for the starting QB spot on the Broncos.
Even with all the trade speculation swirling through the team, Orton still appeared Thursday when Broncos camp opened. He was there taking snaps with the first-string players.
When asked about what he felt he was worth, Orton joked after practice that he felt he was worth at least a third-round pick. Apparently, Miami does not agree.
Due to Orton still being on the Denver roster Friday afternoon, he earned a $1.5 million roster bonus. NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora believes that even though the bonus has been paid, the Broncos are still willing to move Orton and eat the bonus.
With the trade talks breaking off, Miami made an alternative move to provide depth at the QB position.
The Dolphins signed Matt Moore to a two-year, $5 million contract to serve as back-up to Chad Henne. Moore had a nice small sample size for the Carolina Panthers in 2009 throwing for 1,000 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions in five starts.
His 2010 was much more forgettable; in six games, he threw 10 interceptions to five scores before going on injury reserve in Week 9. He was 7-6 as a starter in Carolina.
Even with the Dolphins signing a quarterback, La Canfora still believes Miami would like to make the move for Orton. There’s plenty of time to still work a trade, as the deadline is not for months.
Trading for Orton would still make lots of sense for the Dolphins.
Reuniting Kyle Orton with current Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall could spell success. The two shared the 2009 season together in Denver. During that 16-game span, Orton threw to Marshall 101 times for 1,120 yards and ten touchdowns.
They also had a memorable Week 14 match-up at Indianapolis where Marshall snatched 21 balls for 200 yards and two scores.
Rumors seem to show only Miami would still be interested in acquiring Orton. Other teams that had notable quarterback issues (Seattle, Tennessee, Arizona, Minnesota, Buffalo and San Francisco) have already made moves to solidify their needs. The only teams that really have question marks with their signal callers are Cincinnati and Washington.
If a deal gets done for Orton, it would certainly benefit Miami. If nothing gets done, then Denver is stuck with a good problem to have: plenty of talent at quarterback. The Broncos wouldn’t mind having an insurance plan in place should Tebow struggle if he gets announced as the starter.
Follow Brett Lyons on Twitter @BrettLyons670.
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