Kyle Orton Claimed Off Waiver Wire By Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs won the Kyle Orton sweepstakes, putting in the winning waiver claim for the former Broncos’ quarterback. Two other teams put in claims for Orton, but were further down the priority list than Kansas City with their 4-6 record. Chicago put in a claim, as expected. More surprising was that the Dallas Cowboys also put in a claim for Orton.

With injured quarterbacks, Orton made sense for both the Chiefs and the Bears. Dallas, on the other hand, has a healthy Tony Romo leading the way. Romo’s backup is veteran Jon Kitna.

For more on the Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron.

Andrew Brandt of National Football Posttweeted shortly after 4:00 p.m. (ET) that Orton has indeed been claimed -- but it’s unclear by whom. The waiver wire deadline was at 4:00 p.m. (ET).

Washington? Miami? Kansas City? The mystery should be emerging soon.

Among the teams near the top we could see issue a claim are the Redskins, Dolphins and Chiefs. Washington in particular is an interesting candidate. Mike Shanahan is the head coach and his former quarterback is John Elway, who nows runs the Broncos. It makes you wonder if Elway released Orton now knowing that someone, perhaps his old coach, would claim him.

The process ends at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday when we’ll find out where Orton goes next.

Orton arrived in Denver for the 2009 season along with Josh McDaniels where he began a two and a half year stint as the team’s primary starter. He put up respectable numbers in his first year completing 62 percent of his passes and throwing 21 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The Broncos struggled in the 2010 season with just four victories but Orton remained the starter entering the 2011 season despite speculation that the Broncos might trade him.

Visit SB Nation’s Mile High Report to see what the Broncos faithful is saying about the move.