It’s no coincidence that Kyle Orton was cut by the Broncos soon after Jay Cutler’s injury in Chicago.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Orton’s agent pushed for the release after they saw Cutler needed surgery on his thumb.
Orton reportedly has “let it be known” that the Bears are one of the teams he’d like to play for. We wouldn’t be surprised if Orton’s agent got an indication on Sunday from the Bears that the interest was mutual.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears are indeed interested. It’s possible they could let him pass through waivers -- they are 30th in line -- and sign Orton to a separate deal if he clears.
“This was the right decision for our football team. We feel good about our quarterback group, and this gives Kyle an opportunity to help another team and showcase his talents,” Broncos coach John Fox said in a statement.
Orton is due $2.58 million on the rest of his contract this year. The Chiefs, Redskins, and Colts seem like potential teams that could claim him, but Orton appears more likely to wind up in Chicago.
The reunion sets up the possibility of an amazing storyline in a few weeks. Orton could return to Denver on December 11 as a member of the Bears, and face Tebowmania from the opposing sideline.