Kyle Orton to Bills: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 2

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported on Kyle Orton's contract in Buffalo:

Updates from Monday, Sept. 1

Kyle Orton spoke about his role with the Buffalo Bills following his move (via the Bills):

Updates from Saturday, Aug. 30

The Buffalo Bills confirmed the signing of quarterback Kyle Orton:

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times made note of the money involved:

Original Text:

The Buffalo Bills may have found their backup quarterback. The team reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Kyle Orton. 

ESPN's Mike Rodak and James Walker have the news:

Tim Graham of The Buffalo News provides more details on the contract:

The Bills have been looking for a veteran quarterback to fill the mentor role behind second-year starter EJ Manuel, and Friday's move is the latest of many in that regard. Buffalo signed veteran and former Chicago Bear Jordan Palmer this week, but the team released him Friday after just a few days of being on the roster. Thad Lewis was also released this week. 

As the preseason concluded, it became apparent that the Bills were seeking an established backup to play in front of Jeff Tuel. Orton appears to be the answer. 

NFL.com's Chris Trapasso noticed the signing was on par with indications from head coach Doug Marrone and company:

A former Purdue University standout, Orton started for stretches in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City before establishing himself as the backup to Tony Romo in Dallas. He was forced into action in Week 17 last season, throwing a late interception to lose to the Eagles and miss the playoffs. 

He was cut by the Cowboys just before training camp in July. 

The 31-year-old has had his ups and downs in the NFL, but he'll bring 72 career starts to the Buffalo quarterback unit and can be the veteran mentor among two younger quarterbacks. And if Manuel fails to make strides in his sophomore season or gets hurt, Orton may get another chance to lead an offense in 2014. 

It will have to be a quick learning curve for Orton, as the regular season starts in a little more than a week. But he's no stranger to having to learn on the fly after he joined the Chiefs more than halfway into the season in 2011.