Kyle Orton to Kansas City Chiefs: Is Orton Really Long-Term Matt Cassel Upgrade?

The Kansas City Chiefs had the highest waiver priority and were awarded former Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton after he was released by Denver yesterday.

In the short term, I understand this move. 

At 4-6, playing in the AFC West, the Chiefs are essentially still in the playoff hunt.

He definitely gives them a better chance to win than Tyler Palko against the Steelers, Bears, Jets Packers, Raiders and Broncos.

Orton was easily the best quarterback available, too. 

(Have fun with that schedule, KC.)

But in terms of a long-term option, is he really a long-term upgrade over Matt Cassel? 

Most certainly not.

Both signal-callers are 29, and the only thing Orton has on Cassel is more starting experience. 

That's it. 

Orton has 79 career touchdowns and 55 career interceptions at 58 percent completion rate. Cassel has 76 touchdowns in his career to only 45 picks and has completed 59 percent of his passes. 

Not anything considerably better with Orton. 

Neither were effective in 2011.

No, Orton isn't a long-term solution, and I don't think the Chiefs meant for him to be. 

However, Kansas City is on the hook for the final $2.58 million on Orton's contract. 

Is he worth that much for the final six games of the 2011 season?

I can't blame the Chiefs for trying to make the best out of a dire situation, but I don't think so.