Cowboys QB Kyle Orton On The Chopping Block?

Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas mentioned discussed a few release candidates during his recent mailbag.

Interestingly enough, Archer mentions that Cowboys backup QB Kyle Orton could be a potential cap casualty.

• Archer expects Dallas to approach him regarding a restructuring of his contract, but adds that the Cowboys could save $1 million by releasing him outright.
• Archer also wonders whether Orton wants want to continue to playing in the NFL.

The Cowboys cap issues are well documented by now. As things stand right now, they are projected to be over the cap by close to $24 million, which means all options to shed salary are on the table.

This is, however, the first we’ve heard that Orton could possibly be a roster cut.

Orton, 31, is considered to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league by many around the NFL. He stepped in for Tony Romo after he suffered a season-ending back injury towards the end of the regular season and three for 358 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in a loss to the Eagles.

If the Cowboys were to part ways with Orton, it would be an obvious indication that they will target a quarterback in the draft, which is an idea that has come up in the past few months.

Orton should be able to find another job relatively quickly, but I still expect him to be back in Dallas next season.