Dec 24, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton (8) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Several sources are now reporting that Orton will sign a three year deal with the Cowboys and play behind starter Tony Romo. The financial details of the contract have yet to be released. The move is a bit surprising considering Orton could have pursued other free agent opportunities where he could have competed for a starting job.  But Dallas has had a long time infatuation in the 8th year veteran. The Cowboys attempted to obtain Orton last season when he was released by the Denver Broncos. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the ‘Boys to him.

Orton is coming off a very lack luster season. He only played in nine total games split between the two different clubs. He ended the year recording only nine touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Orton had his best years as a quarterback in Denver. In his two and a half year tenure as the starter, Orton recorded 8,434  passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. But the former Purdue alum was replaced by Tim Tebow after the Broncos went 1-4 to start the 2011 season.

Originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft, Orton started his career with the Chicago Bears. He spent three years in the windy city before being traded for Jay Cutler.

Orton now joins a Dallas Cowboy team who was one win away from a playoff run last season. The 29 year old also replaces long time back-up quarterback Jon Kitna. Kitna retired at the age of 39 this offseason after suffering a back injury last year and now plans to coach high school football.

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Dec. 4, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) and executive vice president Stephen Jones prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

3 TYPES OF NFL FREE AGENTS

A basic overview discussing the three types of free agents, general details of each, and the Dallas Cowboys players (2011 starters / contributors) that fall under these categories.  Naturally NFL Free Agency is a very complex system, so this is a general look at some of the guidelines and rules.

1)  Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA)

These players have accrued less than three seasons in the NFL.  For 2012, their current team has the choice to retain their services at the 3^rd year veteran minimum of $540,000.  If extended this offer, the player must accept and play the season for this amount or is unable to play in the NFL in 2012.

Dallas Cowboys 2012 ERFAs:

Starters (0):  None

Contributors (2):  Jesse Holley (WR), Jermey Parnell (T)

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Forget it Cowboy Fans - this #9 isn't going anywhere. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

While the following players are technically free agents, I think we can safely rule these guys out as backups.  Either they get re-signed as starters for their current teams or they get a starting QB spot on another NFL team.

• Drew Brees – the Saints are not crazy – pay the man;
• Alex Smith – has been reborn in SF – they will re-sign him;
• Matt Flynn – will continue to back up Rodgers or will get a starting job on another team if he manages to get away from GB;
• Jason Campbell – will battle Carson Palmer for the starting job in Oakland (or Carson will battle Jason in light of the new GM);
• Kyle Orton – unlikely to return to Denver but probably still able to compete for a starting job somewhere.  The Cowboys tried to get him on waivers this season but were beaten out by Kansas City with a higher waiver position.  He would be a good choice if they could get him at the right price but unlikely. (more…)