Kyle Orton has yet to participate in any of the Cowboys’ voluntary offseason workouts, and while the team has downplayed the signal-caller’s absence, Orton is still contemplating the possibility of retiring, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). According to Rapoport, the veteran quarterback has told the Cowboys he wants to call it a career, but the team wants to keep him around and would look to recoup $3MM in signing bonus money if he retired. So for now, the two sides are in a standoff.
When Orton signed for five years with the Cowboys in 2012, the deal included a $5MM signing bonus prorated over the length of the contract, which is why Dallas would be seeking $3MM from the 31-year-old. In addition to repaying that $3MM, Orton would also give up a $3.25MM base salary for 2014, so retirement would be a costly decision.
If Orton does decide to end his playing career, the Cowboys would likely move forward with Brandon Weeden as Tony Romo‘s backup, with Caleb Hanie potentially in the mix as well.