Cowboys need to cut losses with Orton
It appears we have The Big Three of the offseason holdouts.
Andre Johnson, Vernon Davis and Kyle Orton.
Something doesn't seem right about this list, does it?
[+] EnlargeKyle Orton
Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports
If QB Kyle Orton doesn't want to take part in the Cowboys' offseason activities, then Dallas should move on without him, writes Calvin Watkins.
Johnson, of the Houston Texans, is irked at the direction of the franchise.
Davis, of the San Francisco 49ers, wants to get paid.
Orton, the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback, missed his physical exam on Monday and it's doubtful he'll show for the three-day mandatory veteran minicamp, which starts Tuesday morning at Valley Ranch.
Orton wants to retire and is willing to forgo $3.5 million in base salary and the potential of repaying the team nearly $3 million in previous bonus money for not fulfilling his end of the contract.
Orton hasn't been seen or heard from since the end of the 2013 regular season when the Cowboys lost to the Eagles on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium. It's not like Orton is such a bad guy, but with these latest actions, I think the Cowboys should just move on.
Just cut him and keep it moving.
Yes, that would mean Brandon Weeden steps up into the No. 2 role, and while he doesn't have the same NFL-experience of Orton and is one year younger than him at age 30, at least Weeden wants to be with the Cowboys.
Orton doesn't want to be around.
Tony Romo declined comment a few weeks ago when asked about Orton's commitment level to the franchise. Romo hasn't even spoken to the backup quarterback, leading me to believe there's something going on and it's not good.
When the Cowboys signed Orton, it was meant to add experienced depth to the quarterback position in case Romo was injured. When Romo missed the Eagles' game, Orton was more than qualified to lead the Cowboys.
Orton completed 30-of-46 passes for 358 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His last interception, on a pass to Miles Austin, ended the Cowboys season. Yet if the Cowboys had somehow defeated the Eagles, there was a confidence level in Orton's abilities to lead the team.
But something changed this offseason.
Orton's agent, David Dunn, who didn't respond for a comment on his client, said during the NFL owners meetings his man would be in camp.
We haven't seen him.
Coach Jason Garrett said he anticipated Orton showing up to camp, at least the mandatory camp, and he just might. But Orton wasn't around for the voluntary workouts to bond with the new playcaller Scott Linehan. So why would Orton show up now?
The Cowboys can fine him up to $70,000 for his absences this week. What's $70,000 to a man like Orton? He's willing to give up at least $6 million, so why worry about $70,000.
Orton doesn't want to play football again, and if that's the case, then let him go. Why keep a man in your locker room if he doesn't want to be there.
A few years ago, wide receiver Cole Beasley questioned his commitment to the game in training camp and the team sent him home. Beasley came back refreshed and has been a productive player for the team.
Orton has taken his time off. His silence or absence speaks volumes.
It's just time for the Cowboys to say goodbye and move on.
Andre Johnson, Vernon Davis and Kyle Orton.
Something doesn't seem right about this list, does it?
[+] EnlargeKyle Orton
Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports
If QB Kyle Orton doesn't want to take part in the Cowboys' offseason activities, then Dallas should move on without him, writes Calvin Watkins.
Johnson, of the Houston Texans, is irked at the direction of the franchise.
Davis, of the San Francisco 49ers, wants to get paid.
Orton, the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback, missed his physical exam on Monday and it's doubtful he'll show for the three-day mandatory veteran minicamp, which starts Tuesday morning at Valley Ranch.
Orton wants to retire and is willing to forgo $3.5 million in base salary and the potential of repaying the team nearly $3 million in previous bonus money for not fulfilling his end of the contract.
Orton hasn't been seen or heard from since the end of the 2013 regular season when the Cowboys lost to the Eagles on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium. It's not like Orton is such a bad guy, but with these latest actions, I think the Cowboys should just move on.
Just cut him and keep it moving.
Yes, that would mean Brandon Weeden steps up into the No. 2 role, and while he doesn't have the same NFL-experience of Orton and is one year younger than him at age 30, at least Weeden wants to be with the Cowboys.
Orton doesn't want to be around.
Tony Romo declined comment a few weeks ago when asked about Orton's commitment level to the franchise. Romo hasn't even spoken to the backup quarterback, leading me to believe there's something going on and it's not good.
When the Cowboys signed Orton, it was meant to add experienced depth to the quarterback position in case Romo was injured. When Romo missed the Eagles' game, Orton was more than qualified to lead the Cowboys.
Orton completed 30-of-46 passes for 358 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His last interception, on a pass to Miles Austin, ended the Cowboys season. Yet if the Cowboys had somehow defeated the Eagles, there was a confidence level in Orton's abilities to lead the team.
But something changed this offseason.
Orton's agent, David Dunn, who didn't respond for a comment on his client, said during the NFL owners meetings his man would be in camp.
We haven't seen him.
Coach Jason Garrett said he anticipated Orton showing up to camp, at least the mandatory camp, and he just might. But Orton wasn't around for the voluntary workouts to bond with the new playcaller Scott Linehan. So why would Orton show up now?
The Cowboys can fine him up to $70,000 for his absences this week. What's $70,000 to a man like Orton? He's willing to give up at least $6 million, so why worry about $70,000.
Orton doesn't want to play football again, and if that's the case, then let him go. Why keep a man in your locker room if he doesn't want to be there.
A few years ago, wide receiver Cole Beasley questioned his commitment to the game in training camp and the team sent him home. Beasley came back refreshed and has been a productive player for the team.
Orton has taken his time off. His silence or absence speaks volumes.
It's just time for the Cowboys to say goodbye and move on.
Cowboys need to cut losses with Orton
Reviewed by Mr. DCStands4
on
8:00:00 AM
Rating:
Reviewed by Mr. DCStands4
on
8:00:00 AM
Rating:
