Tuesday, July 15, 2014

NFL gives the boot to Broncos QB trio of Orton, Tebow, and Quinn

The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with veteran quarterback Kyle Orton on Tuesday afternoon, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed.

Orton was the last of Denver's 2011 quarterbacks to play in the NFL, backing up Tony Romo in Dallas over the last two seasons. Orton did not want to play football this season and told the Cowboys he was planning to retire. Dallas acted before Orton had a chance to retire, choosing to release the 31-year-old quarterback.

Brandon Weeden will now serve as the reserve QB in Dallas.

Orton, who was acquired by former head coach Josh McDaniels in 2009, began the 2011 season as the Broncos' starter. Under new head coach John Fox, Orton led Denver to a 1-4 start going into their bye week. During the bye, second-year QB Tim Tebow jumped Brady Quinn on the depth chart and started in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins.