NFL Rumors: With Tim Tebow Ready to Take Over, What Happens to Kyle Orton?

Like Tim Tebow or hate him, it appears that the Denver Broncos are going to be forced to go with Tebow over Kyle Orton at quarterback when they resume play following their Week 6 bye.

Broncos coach John Fox made the decision that fans have been waiting for when he inserted Tebow at quarterback in the second half of Denver's 29-24 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. Down 26-10, Tebow led the Broncos to within two points and had a chance with one second remaining to throw a desperation pass into the end zone for the tie. The ball harmlessly fell to the turf and the Broncos had lost, but Tebow clearly had given the offense a spark.

Now, the question here isn't who is the better passer. Orton is clearly a better thrower of the ball, and he knows how to play the position at the NFL level. But he hasn't gotten it done early in the 2011 season, and the Broncos are running in mud by having him start games. With a season that appears lost at 1-4, the Broncos almost have to see what they have in Tebow over the long haul. 

If Fox and the Denver coaching staff do in fact choose to start Tebow over Orton, there are several different options for Orton moving forward.

The Broncos could decide to trade him, but that seems like the least likely option. His value on the market is lower now than it ever was this offseason, when the Broncos decided to hold onto Orton despite several potential offers. They'd also have to make that trade within this week, too, as the deadline for such moves ends after Week 6.

The more likely scenario is that the Broncos hold onto Orton, both as a help to Tebow through the transition and as a backup plan should Tebow fall on this face. 

Either way, Orton is the loser in this situation, as his contract expires after this season. That does allow him to get out of Denver once 2011 ends, but his value has plummeted. It's doubtful that any team is going to be willing to give him a multi-year deal with him sitting on the bench behind a guy that some said was the Broncos fourth best quarterback.  

But after Fox and the Broncos coaches decided to play Tebow in the second half and he responded with two scoring drives, Orton's fate was sealed. There's no way the Broncos can go into a bye after that showing, whether you praise Tebow for it or not, and not give him a look as the starter following the break.

That leaves Orton with very few options for 2011, but he'll be a free man from Tebow mania before long.