The Kyle Orton signing could pay off immediately for the Cowboys, like within the next week.
No, Tony Romo isn't about to go skiing or skydiving. Although Orton was signed as injury insurance for Romo, that's not why he suddenly has added value for the Cowboys.
What makes Orton an instant value is he is represents a sought-after commodity: an experienced starting quarterback with a level of proficiency.
No, Orton isn't some team's quarterback of the future and he isn't the final piece to a Super Bowl run. But he can play quarterback in the NFL and get a team through a season.
Orton is 35-34 as a starter. He has started for the Bears, Broncos and Chiefs. In six NFL seasons he's thrown 80 touchdowns, 57 interceptions and has a 58.3 completion percentage.
Those are decent numbers, not great, but they would look like Hall of Fame numbers compared to what the 49ers would have if they can't kiss and make up with Alex Smith.
Smith has been talking to the Dolphins, who would also sorely need a signal-caller if those negotiations fall through. The Dolphins signed David Garrard, whose career numbers are just a tick better than Orton's.
The Browns have been looking for something better than Colt McCoy. Now that they're out of the running for Robert Griffin III, their options have been reduced to deciding whether to take Ryan Tannehill in the draft. Do they take him with the No. 4 pick or trade down and hope to get him later?
The Jaguars don't have a quarterback as accomplished as Orton. Blaine Gabbert is entering his second season and they just signed Chad Henne, who never caught fire with the Dolphins.
The Titans lost out to the Broncos on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. That leaves them with Matt Hasselbeck, who turns 37 in September, and unproven Jack Locker.
Orton hasn't turned 30 yet.
True, Orton was dumped by the Broncos after a 1-4 start in 2011. He was available to sign as a backup because, presumably, no team wanted him as a starter.
But that was before everyone knew where Manning was headed. Matt Flynn is also gone to the Seahawks.
All of a sudden, the Cowboys have a backup quarterback who is arguably better than some teams' starters.
Not that anyone expects the Cowboys to turn around and deal Orton, but if they did, what kind of draft picks could they get in return? If a team desperately needs a starting quarterback, that could be worth a first-rounder.
Couldn't the Cowboys use another first-round pick? Or even a couple of second-round picks?
The Cowboys would be wise to at least listen to offers. Maybe even call up one of the teams looking for a quarterback, just to feel them out.
It sounds unorthodox to turn around and trade a player you've just signed. It may not even be possible, given the salary cap and other restrictions. But the Cowboys should at least explore the idea if it benefits the franchise.
And if the Cowboys lose Orton, what do they do about a backup for Romo? Well, that Tebow guy would sure sell a lot of tickets.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
