Bears Blitz

Published by Alex Kay on November 23, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears had better hope their waiver claim goes through for Kyle Orton.

According to sources close to the situation, Orton’s push for a release from the Denver Broncos can be attributed in a major way to Jay Cutler’s thumb injury.

Chicago is willing to pick up the remainder of Orton’s deal, valued at around $2.5 million this season, just to get a competent quarterback to finish the season and hopefully make the playoffs with.

This is a win-win situation for both parties.

Orton went from Denver’s starter to third-string QB in just a few short weeks and would get a head start on finding a new contract and stable situation by proving he is still capable to lead an NFL team.

Rather than rot on the bench and wait until next offseason to try out for other clubs, he will get a chance to guide Chicago to the playoffs while Cutler rehabilitates.

Chicago will more than make back the money they spend on the waiver claim if he can get them into the playoffs and Cutler returns to lead them from there.

The Bears will have to wait with bated breath to find out if their claim goes through.

Luckily for them, Houston has already said that they aren’t interested in acquiring Orton and the only other contender that would be willing to pay for the QB is Kansas City.

The Chiefs are two games out of first place in the AFC West and lost Matt Cassel to a season-ending injury two weeks ago.

Rotoworld feels they are the biggest threat ahead of Chicago to make the claim on Orton, as Todd Haley’s job is on the line and they actually still have a chance to make the postseason.

Without getting their old starting QB back, I don’t think the Bears make the playoffs this season. Current starter Caleb Hanie has proven to be ineffective in the offense and very turnover prone.

The Bears can’t afford any missteps right now and not getting Orton would be a huge one. 

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