Chicago Bears Rumors: Kyle Orton Could Solve Backup Quarterback Problem

Kyle Orton could potentially return to the Chicago Bears. Rumors began flying immediately after Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery suggested that the team could be interested in Kyle Orton.

Emery has always liked Orton and was even responsible for claiming him off of waivers for the Kansas City Chiefs when the Denver Broncos let him go in 2011. Emery told ESPN radio about signing Kyle Orton, “There’s an interest on our end on looking at any player that can help this team, and we continue to do that. We want to keep looking at players that can really have a legitimate chance to make our team. If there’s a quarterback, a wideout, a defensive person — a DB that could help us — we’re certainly gonna look at him.”

Kyle Orton was dropped last month by the Dallas Cowboys after it became clear that he no longer wanted to play for the team. Many analysts believe Orton plans to retire, but Emery and some other general managers think he is still interested in playing.

The Chicago Bears rumors about signing Kyle Orton would be the second time in his career that the team has thought about bringing him back. Orton began his career in Chicago in 2005, where he appeared to be the answer to the team’s quarterback problems. Orton proved to be a serviceable quarterback, but an opportunity to trade Orton for Jay Cutler was just too good for the Chicago Bears to pass up.

Eventually, Kyle Orton fell prey to the Tim Tebow media frenzy in Denver. During a wild 2011 season, Tebow took over as quarterback when Orton suffered an injury. A series of miracles and winning games left Orton on the bench and he was eventually waived. That is when Kansas City GM Phil Emery picked Orton up. The following season, Kyle Orton left to be Tony Romo’s back up in Dallas.

Now it looks like Kyle Orton will either retire or end his career in Chicago. The Chicago Bears rumors suggest that they have a backup quarterback controversy between Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer. Insiders are not extremely high on either player, and Orton would be a proven veteran back up to Jay Cutler. Cutler has been known to suffer from injuries, and Chicago needs a reliable number two quarterback.

Kyle Orton has not spoken on the matter and ultimately would have to be interested in still playing football. If Orton feels like the Chicago Bears have a chance to be a contender, it would not be a surprise to see him join the team.

[Image via Fansided]