Tim Tebow might be the future in Denver. Some NFL observers believe Kyle Orton remains the present.

Although it has been a topic of speculation throughout the offseason that Orton could be had for the right price, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora considers it unlikely the Broncos will trade Orton, even as new head coach John Fox promises he will be in a competition with Tebow and Brady Quinn for the starting job.

“The Broncos value Orton,” La Canfora said on “NFL Total Access.” “He has a manageable contract. Someone would have to blow them away with an offer to take away their starting quarterback.”

Any demand for Orton could nudge the Broncos to play their hand, and one team thought to have interest is the Cardinals. But what can’t be lost on the team’s new management, which is trying to move the team forward from the Josh McDaniels era, is that Orton wins games. That, says analyst Brian Baldinger, is the factor that will keep Orton in Denver.

“I can’t see John Fox or John Elway (trading Orton). He’s their best option to win football games right now,” Baldinger said. “I don’t believe guys on his own team think that, right now, Tebow is a guy who can get them to the playoffs or a winning season.”

If the Broncos don’t get an offer they like for Orton and Tebow Mania continues to rage, things promise to stay … interesting … in Denver.

Posted in: NFL Network  | comments  |