Kyle Orton: The Underappreciated Quarterback Can Be the Difference in 2012

Kyle Orton is a respected NFL quarterback, but has never truly gotten the respect he deserves in the NFL. He has been primarily a team's second choice and has bounced around to three NFL teams in the past five years, which makes no sense. Orton is more than a capable quarterback, and with free agency approaching, he can lead a team into the playoffs in 2012.

The Chicago Bears selected Orton in the fourth round in the 2005 NFL draft. He started 15 games as a rookie and showed he can be an NFL quarterback. After a successful 2008 season with 2,972 yards and 18 touchdowns, he was shipped to Denver in the dramatic Jay Cutler trade. He was the Broncos quarterback in 2009, and he was hotter than ever.

Orton threw for 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns that season and had Denver in playoff contention for a majority of the year. The 2010 season was also successful for Orton but his career "fell apart" in 2011. He can thank some guy named Tim Tebow for the controversy and drama surrounding the quarterback position.

You know what happened from there. A successful season succeeded by a 1-4 start saw Orton out of a starting job and Tebow magic was starting to take the United States by storm. Orton was waived and claimed by Kansas City, starting three of the four games he was active for. He beat the 13-0 Green Bay Packers and that's a wrap for 2011. So now what?

The Kansas City Chiefs have not publicly stated they intend on making Orton their franchise quarterback, but the problem is that Orton should be a franchise quarterback, somewhere where he feels appreciated. Orton was a key piece in the deal that sent Cutler to Chicago, yet fans were livid over the trading of their quarterback and never really accepted Orton. When Tebow was drafted, the team's No. 3 quarterback was the fan's favorite player.

Kyle Orton simply needs a team to embrace him, and he can lead it to the playoffs. He has gone through enormous controversy and will show that it has strengthened him in 2012. There are three teams Orton can help compete for the playoffs if signed in 2012:

1. The Washington Redskins. They have been searching for a franchise for so long. Go ahead, tell me who their best quarterback in the past 10 years was. They have a proven defense and a solid running game. Santana Moss leads a young group of receivers and Washington is good enough for Orton to guide. The team needs a quarterback about as bad Orton needs a team to call his own.

2. The Seattle Seahawks. They have plenty of tools to be successful and are lucky to be in the NFC West. Sidney Rice, Marshawn Lynch and Zach Miller are probably better than any weapons Orton has ever had to work with. Tarvaris Jackson just won't cut it in Seattle and the 'Hawks are close to being a good team. Orton can be the leader and the difference for the Seahawks.

3. And lastly, the Miami Dolphins. How many quarterbacks have started games since the retirement of Dan Marino? Way too many. Miami responded well to Matt Moore's presence in 2011. Imagine how the Dolphins can play with a better quarterback than more. Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, running back Reggie Bush and tight end Anthony Fasano can help Orton lead the Dolphins to victory. Come on, how can Orton turn away the warmth of Miami and the potential it offers?

The possibilities for Orton are intriguing. He is a better quarterback than ever given credit for and should finally find a team to lead in 2012. After all, this is the first time he can choose his destination.

As the free-agent period begins, remember that the most important position on the field is the quarterback. Although Orton is underappreciated and almost forgotten about, he can be the most valuable signing in the 2012 NFL free-agent period.