National Football League

Cowboys' Orton ready to walk away from millions to retire?

Published May. 23, 2014 4:31 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Shawn Ramsey

The Dallas Cowboys want Kyle Orton to remain with the team this upcoming season and pay him $3.25 million; however the backup quarterback has reportedly said he wants to retire, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The question is; can Orton afford to retire now?

Orton, who is reportedly not showing up to OTAs, would be forced to pay back $3 million of the $5 million signing bonus money he collected two years ago when signing with the Cowboys. If losing $3 million wasn't incentive for Orton to stay in Dallas, the backup quarterback would also miss out on his salary of $3.25 million for the '14 season.

While it would certainly be an expensive choice, Orton is certainly within his rights to retire from the NFL, even if that means starting his post-playing career in a $6.25 million hole, but the Cowboys are hoping the money will help lure Tony Romo's backup to return for one more season.

If Orton chooses to leave the game, the Cowboys will turn toward former Cleveland Brown quarterback Brandon Weeden to take over the backup duties in Dallas.

Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League