Kyle Orton may be the right fit for Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb has been at the center of all Arizona Cardinals quarterback discussions, but some believe Kyle Orton may be the right guy for the job.

“I want Orton,” Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug Franz said on Doug and Wolf. “I want Orton based on the price. If I have to give up a first round pick for Kolb when I could probably get Orton for a third rounder, I’m taking Orton.”

Kolb may be the quarterback that everyone wants, but there are a few reasons, in addition to price, that say the Cardinals should get Orton.

Kolb has started seven games in his career. Orton has started 61.

With Orton, teams have a better idea of what they’ll be getting.

All the speculation around Kolb is based purely on potential. However, potential does not always pan out.

Orton may not be viewed by many to have as much upside as Kolb, but he is a safe pickup who threw for 1,952 yards last season. Orton also threw 20 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

Although Orton is the safe pick, he is not the long-term solution that Kolb is.

If acquired, Kolb will be expected to be the future whereas Orton could be the quarterback while John Skelton develops.

“I don’t need to pay the price the Eagles are asking for Kolb for a franchise quarterback of the future if I think Skelton can play,” Franz said.

If the Cardinals believe in Skelton then they should pursue a quarterback who can start in the short term while being a mentor as well. Orton seems to fit that bill.

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