The fact that backup quarterback Kyle Orton was considering retirement with a season left on his contract with the Cowboys has been a well-known secret all offseason. The Cowboys even went out and got another quarterback, in former Browns’ starter and 2012 first round pick Brandon Weeden.
But the acquisition of Weeden doesn’t mean Orton isn’t coming back. As far as executive vice president Stephen Jones knows, Orton will return to play out his deal.
"Yes, that’s how I understand it," Jones said Monday, per ESPN Dallas. "I guess everyone reserves the right to change their mind. We’ve just talked to (Orton's agent) Dave (Dunn) briefly. We’re assuming he’s under contract and he is."
Jones went a step further, clarifying that Weeden’s signing was not a reaction to the uncertainty of Orton’s future.
"That was an opportunity," Jones said. "I think it was well-documented that we had him in our second round. That was a chance to get a quarterback--I know he’s not young--but he’s young as far as league years are concerned. We like him. But if he proves out he’s worth developing, then we’ll carry three, like we did with (Stephen) McGee for many years."
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