6 Possible Landing Spots for Kyle Orton

The mad, now-shortened process of NFL free agency has begun, and reports today indicated the Denver Broncos will indeed be trading veteran quarterback Kyle Orton, which paves the way for Tim Tebow to lead the team in his sophomore effort. 

Orton may be one of the league's most underrated quarterbacks; he is in no way a household name, yet has held one of the best passer ratings over the last two seasons in Denver. Despite the disappointment that the Broncos have been, Orton has been the ringleader of an electrifying offense. 

There are many teams out there that need a QB, and here are six possible places where Orton may be playing next season. 

6. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are in dire need of a quarterback. 

Alex Smith, the first pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, has proven to be one of the biggest draft busts of all-time. He is a free agent right now and the 49ers have no reason to re-sign him. 

Veteran David Carr and rookie Colin Kaepernick are the two most notable names on the roster right now, yet neither of them are very tempting options. 

Kyle Orton would be the type of pocket quarterback that the 49ers were looking for with Smith. I don't think Orton will wind up here, but he would not be a bad option. The 49ers need someone who can get the ball to wide receivers Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree.

Odds of Orton Going Here: 10/1

5. Arizona Cardinals

Everyone knows the Arizona Cardinals are in the hunt for a quarterback. None of their current signed players are good options; Max Hall and John Skelton are young and inexperienced, while Derek Anderson seems to be a one-season wonder. 

The talk around the water cooler is that the Cardinals are trying very hard to get Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb, yet Kyle Orton is just as good of an option. 

Should the Kolb deal not happen, I expect the Cardinals to pursue Orton. He has the experience that Cardinals need in a quarterback to get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, one of the best receivers in the game. 

Odds of Orton Going Here: 12/1

4. Buffalo Bills

Out of all the 32 professional football teams, the Buffalo Bills have seemed to generate the least amount of news during this stinted offseason. 

Yes, they are a very boring team, but they have some young talent. (especially on offense)

Ryan Fitzpatrick was a pleasant surprise last season at quarterback; the Harvard grad threw for 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. 

Most of the rumors seem to think that the Bills will stick with Fitzpatrick, yet there is also much speculation out there that he could prove to be a one-season wonder. 

The Bills could capitalize on their strong, young offense and bring in Orton, who would almost surely be able to produce as well as Fitzpatrick. 

Odds of Orton Going Here: 20/1

3. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are in a very volatile situation. Their franchise quarterback Vince Young, after years of questionable behavior and locker room relationships, was officially released and Jeff Fisher was fired after 16 years at head coach. 

With a new head coach in Mike Munchak and rookie Jake Locker currently first on the depth chart at quarterback, the Titans could use the experience that a veteran quarterback like Kyle Orton would bring. 

For more on this topic, please read this great piece by my fellow Bleacher Report colleague Cian Fahey. 

Odds of Orton Going Here: 5/1

2. Minnesota Vikings

Things are tumbling down in Minnesota, and I don't just mean the Metrodome. 

The Minnesota Vikings badly need a consistent quarterback to be the leader of their team after last season's trifecta of Brett Favre, Tavaris Jackson, and Joe Webb.

Kyle Orton would be an amazing option in Minnesota and would surely be welcomed with open arms. The Vikings have a great defense and some amazing offensive weapons, (Adrian Peterson, Visanthe Shiancoe, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin) yet as they stand, they are not a good team. The quarterback really is everything. 

Orton could very well be a Minnesota Viking come next week. 

Odds of Orton Going Here: 3/1 

1. Miami Dolphins

Who wouldn't enjoy a move from Denver to Miami? 

Kyle Orton may very well get so lucky, and the pieces would line up quite nicely is the Miami Dolphins were to work out a trade for the veteran QB. 

Currently, the starter on the Dolphins depth chart is Chad Henne and is just not a viable option with the way he has played. 

Also, wideout Brandon Marshall is currently employed by the Dolphins. Some of you may remember that in 2009, the Marshall/Orton tandem in Denver accounted for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The Dolphins would love to trade for Orton, bring his experience to their squad, and hopefully thrive off Orton's former relationship with Marshall. With Orton in Miami, the Dolphins could be playing postseason football this January. 

Odds of Orton Going Here: 2/1

Joe Rapolla Jr. owns and operates a fantasy football insight company that provides breaking football news, fantasy football advice, and entertaining talk shows. Check it out at whoneedsreality.com and follow him on Twitter.