News World 212: Kyle Orton

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Monday, December 29, 2014

Former Broncos QB Kyle Orton Announces Plans To Retire

Reaction to Kyle Orton Replacing E.J. Manuel in Buffalo

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP/CBS4) Former Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton told the Buffalo Bills on Monday that he plans to retire.

The surprise decision places further emphasis on the teams offseason need to address whats long been an unsettled position.

The Bills announced Ortons decision a day after the 10-year journeyman led Buffalo (9-7) to a season-ending 17-9 win at New England. He played for the Broncos from 2009 to 2011, when he was released and picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Its just a family decision, and Ive decided to get home and be a dad and call it a day, Orton said, in a statement released by the team.

The announcement was made shortly after the Bills held end-of-season meetings with their players. Despite enjoying its first winning season since a 9-7 finish in 2004, Buffalo missed the playoffs to extend the NFLs longest active postseason drought to 15 years.

The 32-year-old Orton declined to speak to reporters while making a brief appearance at his locker, where he picked up a few of his belongings.

In electing to retire, Orton is passing up the chance to make a $5.4 million base salary he was due next year.

His departure also leaves Buffalo with a veteran hole to fill at quarterback, which the team sought to address by signing Orton to a two-year contract a little more than a week before the start of the season.

Initially signed to help mentor EJ Manuel, Orton wound up replacing the second-year player after a 2-2 start.

Orton provided an initial spark in going 3-1 in his first four starts before he and the offense sputtered down the stretch. He finished 7-5 with 3,018 yards passing with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Minus Orton, the Bills are left with two quarterbacks on their roster, Manuel and Jeff Tuel, who spent the entire season on the practice squad.

Manuel has two years left on his contract. The 2013 first-round picks future as the teams long-term starter, however, remains in question after he was benched and lost the confidence of coach Doug Marrone.

Rather than considering playing Manuel against New England after the Bills were eliminated from playoff contention, Marrone stuck with Orton by saying the veteran gave Buffalo the best chance to win.

Receiver Robert Woods wasnt entirely caught off guard by Ortons retirement, noting the quarterback had hinted at the possibility in recent weeks.

Hed talk about it here and there, just joking around, `Its my last get-around, guys," Woods said. I gained a lot of knowledge from him. Im happy for him. Were thankful for him.

Running back Fred Jackson was surprised.

Huh, I didnt know anything about it. This is the first time Im hearing about it, Jackson said. Thats his choice. Obviously, he was a guy who did some things for us this year, stepped in and played a major role in what we were able to accomplish. We wish him well.

The Bills were already thought to focus on upgrading the position this offseason in free agency or through a trade. Their options, however, are somewhat limited when it comes to the draft.

Buffalo doesnt have a first-round pick after trading it to Cleveland in May to move up five spots for the right to select receiver Sammy Watkins fourth overall.

Quarterback shuffles are nothing new in Buffalo.

The Bills havent had a starter last beyond three years since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following the 1996 season. Including Orton, the Bills have now had 11 quarterbacks start at least eight games over the past 18 seasons.

Orton was at best considered a stop-gap measure for Buffalo.

He was already contemplating retirement in mid-July when he was cut by the Dallas Cowboys after failing to attend the teams spring minicamps.

With a 42-40 record as a starter, Orton was Chicagos fourth-round pick in 2005.