Dolphins Close To Acquiring Kyle Orton
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – It's beginning to look like it's going to be just a matter of time until the Miami Dolphins acquire Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Fins and Broncos are "engaged in trade talks" to bring Orton's talents to Miami. Schefter tweeted, "Both teams would like to make it happen."
Michelle Beisner of the NFL Network tweeted out that her sources told her that the trade could be consummated in six hours.
CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington tweeted out more saying, "Jeff Ireland was working hard on several in-house negotiations – but he has since put them on hold as he engages in the Orton sweepstakes."
For the Broncos, they've likely run out of options to deal Orton. The Arizona Cardinals are the only other team with a glaring need at quarterback, and they seem to have a laser focus on Philadelphia Eagles backup Kevin Kolb.
The only thing holding up a trade officially being introduced is the compensation. According to a tweet from NFL Network's Albert Breer, the Dolphins will give up a third-round pick if they can re-negotiate his contract.
Currently, Orton has a salary cap number of nearly $9 million. That would eat up almost all of the Dolphins cap space and prevent them from acquiring a big-name running back.
The Fins have a history of doing deals with the Broncos, most notably the Brandon Marshall trade from last season. But the Dolphins may finally become loathe to give up high draft picks meaning they may only offer a fourth-round pick for Orton.
If the Fins acquire Orton, he'll come into a similar offense as the one he ran in Denver and he'll be reunited with Brandon Marshall. The duo spent one season together with the Broncos.
If Orton is brought in, he will be the Dolphins starting quarterback in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. The Fins will give lip-service to a quarterback battle, but barring an injury, Orton is the new starter if he's acquired.
It will likely be the beginning of the end for Chad Henne as a quarterback with the Dolphins. Henne will be kept around this season as insurance, but if Orton signs a long-term deal, Henne would likely want to look around at other teams.
