The Kyle Orton Watch will have to continue for the Dallas Cowboys. While coach Jason Garrett said more than a few times that he anticipated Orton would attend this week's mandatory minicamp, the backup quarterback did not show up for Monday's physical, according to multiple sources. By missing the physical, Orton is subject to a $10,930 fine. If he does not show up for Tuesday's first day of minicamp, he would face a fine of $11,575. If he misses all three days of the minicamp, the maximum fine is $69,455. Orton's agent, David Dunn, could not be reached for comment. If he decides to play, Orton's base salary will already be docked $75,000 because of a de-escalator in his contract for missing too many workouts. Orton, 32, has been weighing whether he wants to continue playing. He started the Week 17 finale against the Philadelphia Eagles and completed 30 of 46 passes for 358 yards, two touchdowns and had two interceptions in the Cowboys' 24-22 loss. If he decides to retire, Orton would be forced to repay $3.4 million of his signing bonus, which he received in 2011 and 2013. He received a $5 million signing bonus in 2012, and the team converted $510,000 of his $1.35 million base salary in 2013 into a signing bonus for cap relief. Source: ESPN
Looks like he and the Cowboys are playing a game of who will blink first. If he retires, Orton has to give up $3.4 million of his bonus. If the Cowboys cut him, he gets to keep that money.
It's not a game of who blinks first. The Cowboys hold all the cards, they have no reason to cut him and lose money right now. Let him sit and be forced to give them their money back, there's no pressing need to free up a roster spot at this point in the offseason.
Their concern about Orton's presence during these mandatory OTAs tells me that they don't think Romo has healed from his recent back surgery.
