Kyle Orton, Dallas Cowboys in standoff over future
By Chris Wesseling
Around the League Writer
Published: May 22, 2014 at 08:25 p.m.
Updated: May 22, 2014 at 08:45 p.m.
Quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson made it clear early this week that the Dallas Cowboys are "still hopeful" Kyle Orton will report for June's mandatory minicamp.
Wilson shouldn't hold his breath.
After months of speculation, we now know that Orton's desire is to retire from the NFL.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday's edition of "NFL Total Access" that Orton has informed the Cowboys of a wish to retire at age 31. He doesn't want to play for them or any other team.
The problem with Orton's stance is that the Cowboys will force him to pay back $3 million of his $5 million signing bonus if he follows through on that plan to walk away.
For now, the two sides are in a standoff.
The Cowboys' brain trust views Orton as a top backup, which his why they shelled out so much money to bring him on board in the first place. They expected to have his services as Tony Romo insurance for the 2014 season.
The ball is in Orton's court. Retirement might just be a luxury he can't afford.