Kyle Orton's decision whether to retire has been hanging over the Dallas Cowboys all offseason. This week, the story should come to a head. (Orton is one of many minicamp decisions we're monitoring this week.)
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Cowboys are confident that Orton will show up because they will go after part of his signing bonus if he doesn't show up. Orton, privately, continues to weigh his options. If Orton sits out the season, Brandon Weeden will be Dallas' primary backup quarterback.
The decision reminds us of another former Denver Broncos quarterback. Jake Plummer once walked away from the game, passing on a handsome salary while also being forced to give up $3.5 million of a previously earned signing bonus. Orton could be forced to cough up $3 million, but it's rare to see a player essentially pay for the right not to play.
There's also a question in Dallas raised recently regarding whether Orton and starter Tony Romo get along. Romo was asked recently whether he wanted to see more commitment out of Orton.
"Yeah, um, I don't have any comment on that," Romo said.
UPDATE: Rapoport now reports, via a team source, that the Cowboysdon't know if Orton will show up to minicamp on Tuesday after the quarterback was a no-show in Dallas on Monday.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes talk "Hard Knocks" before delving into a new batch of rookie whispers.
