ARIZONA CARDINALS

Analyst thinks Orton would be good for Cards

Jun 13, 2011, 6:32 PM | Updated: 10:40 pm

For many the name Kyle Orton has been nothing more than an after thought when it comes to the Cardinals quarterback search. While he may be a consolation prize to some, one ESPN analyst thinks he could be a great fit in Arizona.

John Clayton, as part of a piece on underrated NFL players, said Orton’s play is more impressive than many think and could translate into great success in the desert.

Orton’s better than people think. He’s smart. He’s accurate. He can move an offense. Because he’s not mobile and not a big name, he seems the quarterback the front office always wants to replace. He’ll never be elite, but you have to special to be elite.

Nevertheless, Orton is good enough to compete with the elite quarterbacks and not be embarrassed. If the Arizona Cardinals can’t acquire Kevin Kolb in a trade, they can go after Orton and significantly upgrade their offense.

Orton is an interesting proposition for the Cardinals. Rumors have swirled that if — and that’s a Deuce Lutui sized if — the Broncos are willing to deal him the asking price will be high. The price tag makes sense seeing as any deal involving him would leave Denver with only Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn at the quarterback spot.

If the Cards lose out on Kolb, the price for Orton may not be too rich for their blood. Especially when you consider that he is not only an accurate passer but he also has only thrown more interceptions than touchdowns once. The one time occurred in his rookie season as a member of the Chicago Bears.

Orton would certainly be an improvement at quarterback for the Cardinals. Then again, after a 5-11 season, pretty much any name not already on the roster would be.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Cardinals

Josh Rosen poses with a Cardinals jersey after getting drafted...

Associated Press

NFL teams often misfire on drafting QBs. But how often do they fail? And why?

There is no guarantee in this highly calculated yet no-better-than-a-coin-flip exercise of finding a franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft.

1 hour ago

Zach Wilson, Jets quarterback...

Associated Press

Broncos trade for Jets’ Zach Wilson, could remain in QB market during 2024 NFL Draft

Zach Wilson was expected to be the face of the franchise for the New York Jets. Now he's been traded to the Denver Broncos.

20 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals GM told rivals he won’t consider trading draft pick until on the clock

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort reportedly told rival executives he won't agree to a trade before he's on the clock in the NFL Draft.

1 day ago

Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Combine...

Tyler Drake

NFL mock draft tracker: What will the Cardinals do with the No. 4 pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

1 day ago

Monti Ossenfort...

Arizona Sports

Lance Zierlein: If Cardinals trade No. 4 pick, expect them to move back up

It is become popular in mock drafts for the Cardinals move off the No. 4 pick, which is where longtime NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein landed.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals fans...

Arizona Sports

Did the Chargers GM tease a Cardinals draft-day trade?

The Cardinals are not looking for a quarterback, but Chargers GM Joe Horitz said his team could have its pick of the top non-QB in the draft.

3 days ago

Analyst thinks Orton would be good for Cards