Report: Kyle Orton Wants to Retire

Orton has yet to show up for offseason workouts at Valley Ranch

Cowboys backup quarterback Kyle Orton doesn’t want to play in 2014, according to a report by Ian Rapoport, and he’s told the team as much. But the team doesn’t want to let him go.

Obviously, the team can’t force Orton to play, but they do have some leverage from a financial standpoint. Namely, if Orton does retire--with one season remaining on his contract with Dallas--he’ll be forced to return $3 million of the $5 million signing bonus he got when he was brought in.

Publicly anyway, the Cowboys have remained optimistic that Orton would return in time for the mandatory mini-camp next month--if he misses it, he’ll be hit with a $70,000 fine--but they’ve brought in Brandon Weeden and Caleb Hanie this offseason just in case.

Quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson said recently that the team is ready to go with Weeden as the No. 2 QB if Orton calls it a career. 

Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe, text HELP for more info, and text STOP to end the subscription. Message and data rates may apply.Read more about it here.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us