ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have signed quarterback Kyle Orton to a long-term contract extension, throwing a wrench into rookie Tim Tebow’s designs on taking away his starting job any time soon.
Coach Josh McDaniels said in a statement Thursday night that Orton’s “leadership and knowledge of the offense have enabled him to have a solid offseason and training camp.”
Orton joined the Broncos last year from Chicago in the Jay Cutler trade and had his best statistical season despite two bum ankles, but after a 6-0 start, the Broncos missed the playoffs at 8-8.
Orton signed a one-year, $2.62 million tender this spring. The Broncos brought in Tebow and Brady Quinn, both of whom are miles behind Orton in grasping McDaniels’ intricate offense.
