The Facts:
Orton, who has one year left on his contract, has yet to commit to playing next season. According to vice president Stephen Jones and several other team sources, Orton has talked about walking away and the Cowboys don't know his status for 2014. "No I don't know [that he is coming back]," Jones said. "But I haven't gone and asked him."
Reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Jones said he might or might not talk to Orton's agent this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he will know for sure about Orton's status before free agency begins March 11. HC Jason Garrett said the team wants Orton to return, and he showed in the season finale against Philadelphia that he is still a quality backup for Romo. If Orton decides to retire, he will have to reimburse the Cowboys a prorated amount of the signing bonus paid to him two years ago. That goes away if the Cowboys decide to release Orton for salary cap reasons. Tony Romo, who is said to be
recovering nicely from back surgery, and Orton are the only quarterbacks on the roster. They were planning to sign at least one or two more to take to training camp even if Orton returned. If he doesn't return, they could target a potential backup in free agency and the 2014 NFL Draft.
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