In what now seems like a daily occurrence, new QB names keep popping up as being connected to the Arizona Cardinals. So far, the names most regularly brought up have been Donovan McNabb (shot down regularly by the writers following the team), Kevin Kolb, Marc Bulger, Carson Palmer and even Matt Hasselbeck. Another name that has been discussed as a possibility but never actually connected is Kyle Orton, who has been the starter for the Denver Broncos the past two seasons.
That is, until now.
Orton's name officially went on the radar when Tim Ring, of 3TV News, reported that a source told him that the Cardinals have had preliminary contact with the Broncos about Orton. Details such as when this contact happened and how in depth it was was not noted.
The reports explains that Orton is "Plan B" to acquiring Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles. Even Kurt Warner has stated on the radio that Kolb is the favorite to be the 2011 starter for Arizona. What is not clear to me is whether Warner is telling us this because of talks with people within the Cardinals organization or through the chatter that is going on in the media in general.
Considering the state of the quarterback play in 2010, it really would be hard work to have a decline in performance in 2011, so really anybody would be an improvement. Orton looks like he could fit well, although he has shown the past two seasons that he can put up amazing numbers on bad teams, despite a 6-0 start to the 2009 season.
To acquire Orton, it would likely cost the Cards less that to get Kolb, but the Cardinals would be in the same situation when dealing with the contract. Orton's deal is up after the 2011 season, although he likely would not command the money that Kolb reportedly seeks.
As nice as it may seem to think that the Cards would get a guy like Orton, the truth is that the talk will continue to be a bunch of foreplay with no real action happening if the lockout continues. And we, the fans, are the ones left with blue balls.