Kyle Orton Release: Houston Texans Would Be Ideal Landing Spot for Ex-Broncos QB

Due to quarterback Tim Tebow's unorthodox style working so well for the Denver Broncos, the team waived former starter Kyle Orton. There are plenty of possible destinations for Orton, but I think the most sensible one is in Houston with the 7-3 Texans.

The Texans have a solid team, as they are tied atop the AFC with the New England Patriots, but they were dealt a major blow ahead of their bye week as it was learned that quarterback Matt Schaub would miss the remainder of the season with a Lisfranc injury in his foot.

This means that the Texans will have to be piloted by failed former first-round pick Matt Leinart. Just a few years ago, Leinart was viewed as the Arizona Cardinals' quarterback of the future. After an uninspiring audition as a starter, however, he was supplanted by future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.

Leinart landed with the Texans, but he hasn't been needed until now. Leinart hasn't thrown a pass since 2009, and his career numbers aren't pretty with a 14-to-20 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a paltry 6.54 yards per pass attempt average.

While Leinart likely won't be much more than a caretaker for the offense with running back Arian Foster playing so well, the Texans could get a much better game manager in Orton. It is no secret that Orton struggled this season with seven interceptions in five games, but he has generally limited mistakes over his career and had consecutive 20-touchdown seasons in 2009 and 2010.

Many are calling for Orton to return to the Chicago Bears in what would surely be an ironic twist of fate.

Just a few short years ago, Orton was traded to Denver, along with draft picks, in exchange for quarterback Jay Cutler.

With Cutler expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a finger injury, the Bears could turn to a familiar face in Orton rather than stick with the inexperienced Caleb Hanie.

The move would make sense from the Bears' point of view, but Houston would be best for Orton.

For one, he would have a much better array of weapons and be in a far more explosive offense with the Texans. The Bears don't really have any receivers to speak of, but the Texans have Andre Johnson when healthy, as well as tight end Owen Daniels.

Perhaps the biggest plus in Houston's favor, though, is pass protection. While Chicago's pass blocking has improved in recent weeks, the Bears generally have a very shoddy line, resulting in Cutler being hit a ton.

The difference is that Cutler is mobile while Orton is not, so many of those hits would likely turn into sacks with Orton under center. Conversely, the Texans have one of the best lines in the league and rank fifth in the league with just 16 sacks allowed.

Schaub is most definitely not the model of mobility, but he was more than sufficiently protected. The Texans offer Orton a much better and more protective offense, and unlike the Bears, Houston is very much in control in terms of a playoff spot.

At this point, I'm sure Orton would love an opportunity to start anywhere, but it is hard to argue against Houston being an absolutely perfect situation for him to wind up in.