Chiefs Claim Kyle Orton Off Waivers

In a move that took about four months longer than expected, former Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton is 'going to Kansas City.'

Everybody thought Orton would be dealt as soon as the lockout ended to pave the way for Tim Tebow to be Denver's starting quarterback.  Miami was considered the frontrunner until they decided to go with Chad Henne and not absorb the nearly nine millions dollars owed to Orton.

Orton outplayed Tebow in training camp and was the week one starter.  After a 1-4 start, Orton was pulled for Tebow at the half of the Broncos 18-15 win over Miami on October 23rd.  Tebow has gone 4-1 since replacing Orton.

Yesterday the Broncos decided to waive Orton and go with Tebow for the rest of the season.  After a day of speculating where Orton would land multiple sources are reporting the Chiefs have claimed Orton and absorbed the $2.5 million owed to him for the remainder of the season.

The move makes sense for Kansas City.  Despite a 4-6 record they are still alive for a division title in the lowly AFC West.  The Chiefs lost starter Matt Cassel for the season with a hand injury.  Backup  Tyler Palko did not look ready for prime time against the Patriots.

Orton is not a long term solution for Kansas City, but he is a serviceable, proven starter who can lead the Chiefs to some wins.