Redskins Nation is in a state panic. This quarterback debacle has robbed the Burgundy and Gold fanbase of too much for too long. It has been beaten to death by blogs, reporters, news stories, and everything in between. Hordes of fans argue for Peyton, RGIII, Trading down, Flynn...
The arguments that follow usually pose the same questions. Why would Peyton want to be a Redskin? Why should we mortgage our future for an injured superstar...again? Why should we sell the farm for a position that WON'T immediately place the Redskins in contention for the playoffs? Why wouldn't we go after that franchise guy?
One question is rarely asked, though. Is there a way to acquire a veteran quarterback, one that is an improvement over Grossman, and still draft a franchise rookie?
Redskins fans, I give you Kyle Orton. Before you stop reading, I ask that you hear my logic (read) and consider the scenarios for which Orton may be the best thing for the Redskins.
In 2009, as a Bronco, Orton threw 336 passes for over 3,800 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
In 2010, again as a Bronco, Kyle Orton threw for 20 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 3,600+ yards.. Through 13 games. The Broncos went 4-12, and Orton was criticized for his play.
In 2011 Orton played 5 games before handing over the gavel to Tim Tebow, and held numbers similar to Rex Grossman. Moving to the Chiefs, he was again discarded for ‘Ineffective' play. Why? Why spend money on him if you aren't willing to give him a chance?
The Redskins have been burned many-a-time in free agency, and fans are skeptical to even go back. You can't have that attitude, not with your back against a wall. Signing Orton short term (well within the realm of possibility) while drafting a signal-caller the same year, may be exactly what the Redskins need.
You are Bruce Allen/Mike Shanahan, you know you have Rex, who knows the offense. You also know that he averages not just two picks per game, but two picks per game at the very worst moments. You also know that Orton will be floating in the wind this offseason, and easily protects the ball better. What do you do?
Well, first you ask yourself some questions.
How much is Orton going to cost? The answer to that is very little. Orton is just looking for his chance to shine again. He has drawn the short straw and could be given nearly the same contract (Probably less) than Rex was given this year.
What if Orton doesn't work out, or is just as ineffective as he was in 2011? The answer to that question lies in one of your top two draft choices. Your rookie signal-caller. All the while Orton is under-center, you're grooming this rookie to take over, and suddenly a lower-tier starter is your backup. Behind your rookie.
Lastly...
Who starts the beginning of the season? This question is answered by the time-honored tradition of competition. If your rookie comes in and shines better than Orton from the get-go, guess what? He's your starter. If he needs work (likely scenario) you coach him. It's the coaches bread and butter to..well... coach.
This decision can basically be simplified to pros and cons:
Pros
You have a proven-effective QB that can start the season, knows a west-coast offense, and isn't as likely to turn the ball over.
You are able to spend less money (Than signing Peyton or Flynn) for use on other positions.
You still remain able to draft whoever...and I mean whoever... you like. Be it RGIII, Ryan Tannehill, even Kirk Cousins if you like him, because you still have a starting quarterback to sit in while he learns.
You are able to fix OTHER holes on both the offensive side and defensive. Offensive WILL take priority this offseason, and hopefully they address the items that will allow any QB to thrive. WR, OL
You allow your future backup (Orton) time with the offense to become acquainted.
You successfully address multiple aspects of the poor depth, all while maintaining an exit strategy.
Cons
Orton may legitimately be at the end of his road
You may not be able to have your rookie ready (Depending on where you draft him)
The use of valuable (even if little) money on a QB still hits the purse, holding you back from addressing some positions
_________________________________________________________________________
When conversations arise about how to adjust the signal-caller situation, Kyle Orton's name is almost required to be brought in. I'm sure I'm not the only one (Redskins Front Office Included) to take this route.
I, personally, am sold on Orton being a Redskin. I think it gives us the best chance for addressing the signal-caller slot without giving up our first-born.
Check out my website: Here