Here are a few teams who may be interested, and why they would find the need to pick him up..
Chicago Bears 7-3
It's likely starter Jay Cutler (surgery on fractured thumb) will miss the rest of the regular season, so if they want to make a playoff run they will need a quarterback to manage the game and minimize turnovers. As of right now that will be backup Caleb Hanie's job. Hanie took over for an injured Cutler in the NFC Championship game last winter, coming within a touchdown of taking the Bears to the Super Bowl (13/20, 153 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT). But minus that game, Hanie has just 14 career pass attempts in three seasons. Probability: 65/35
Kansas City Chiefs 4-6
It's likely starter Jay Cutler (surgery on fractured thumb) will miss the rest of the regular season, so if they want to make a playoff run they will need a quarterback to manage the game and minimize turnovers. As of right now that will be backup Caleb Hanie's job. Hanie took over for an injured Cutler in the NFC Championship game last winter, coming within a touchdown of taking the Bears to the Super Bowl (13/20, 153 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT). But minus that game, Hanie has just 14 career pass attempts in three seasons. Probability: 65/35
Like Chicago, Kansas City has lost its starter for the season (Matt Cassel) and is in the middle of a division race in the AFC West–just two games behind the leader. This past week was the first game Kansas City was without Cassel, and Tyler Palko (25/38, 236 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT) was making his first career start in a 34-3 loss to New England. With one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league, Kansas City may need some extra help at quarterback from a proven veteran such as Orton. Probability: 70/30
Houston Texans 7-3
Houston seems an unlikely destination, although I think it would be a great move on the franchise's part. Matt Schaub was just placed on the season-ending injured reserve as the Texans hold a two game lead in the AFC South. They may not need Orton, but I'm not sure I would trust Matt Leinart with the offense at this point. It's Houston's division to lose, but picking up Orton may solidify the franchise's first playoff appearance in its history. Probability: 50/50
Miami Dolphins 3-7
Miami has won three straight games with Matt Moore under center after starting the season 0-7 and in the middle of the "Suck for Luck" campaign. Over that three-game span Moore has thrown for 200+ yards twice, and thrown six touchdowns with just one interception. They are a possible fit for Orton, but as of right now I think they will finish the season with Moore and make a move for a quarterback over the offseason. Probability: 20/80
Indianapolis Colts 0-10
Houston seems an unlikely destination, although I think it would be a great move on the franchise's part. Matt Schaub was just placed on the season-ending injured reserve as the Texans hold a two game lead in the AFC South. They may not need Orton, but I'm not sure I would trust Matt Leinart with the offense at this point. It's Houston's division to lose, but picking up Orton may solidify the franchise's first playoff appearance in its history. Probability: 50/50
Miami Dolphins 3-7
Miami has won three straight games with Matt Moore under center after starting the season 0-7 and in the middle of the "Suck for Luck" campaign. Over that three-game span Moore has thrown for 200+ yards twice, and thrown six touchdowns with just one interception. They are a possible fit for Orton, but as of right now I think they will finish the season with Moore and make a move for a quarterback over the offseason. Probability: 20/80
There is still no timetable for Peyton Manning's return, and obviously the Colts are already out of contention for a playoff spot so I don't think Indy would want to put out the money for Orton if it's only temporarily. But if they suddenly decide they would like the 29-year old Orton to be Manning's succeeder then this would be their chance to make a move. Probability: 30/70
Arizona Cardinals 3-7
Kevin Kolb has been one of the league's most disappointing off-season signings, and he may not even be the team's starter in 2012. John Skelton has gone 2-1 as the team's starter this season, and I have a feeling he may end up getting a few more starts before the regular season is finished. Orton is a long-shot in Arizona, as well, but that doesn't necessarily rule him out of the running for Arizona's next starter. Probability: 20/80
Best fit: Chicago
It's the best fit for Orton to return to Chicago, but they already seem pretty set on Hanie replacing him.
Most likely team to sign: Kansas City
Palko is their best choice at starter according to the roster, but an Orton signing (and keeping him in-division) would make a great fit and give Kansas City's passing attack a huge boost.
This just in: Houston signed former New York Jet Kellen Clemens. Looks like Houston's 50/50 chance just went down to 10/90.
Photo credit
Cutler: Scott Boehm/Getty Images
Painter: Scott Boehm/Getty Images
Kevin Kolb has been one of the league's most disappointing off-season signings, and he may not even be the team's starter in 2012. John Skelton has gone 2-1 as the team's starter this season, and I have a feeling he may end up getting a few more starts before the regular season is finished. Orton is a long-shot in Arizona, as well, but that doesn't necessarily rule him out of the running for Arizona's next starter. Probability: 20/80
Best fit: Chicago
It's the best fit for Orton to return to Chicago, but they already seem pretty set on Hanie replacing him.
Most likely team to sign: Kansas City
Palko is their best choice at starter according to the roster, but an Orton signing (and keeping him in-division) would make a great fit and give Kansas City's passing attack a huge boost.
This just in: Houston signed former New York Jet Kellen Clemens. Looks like Houston's 50/50 chance just went down to 10/90.
Photo credit
Cutler: Scott Boehm/Getty Images
Painter: Scott Boehm/Getty Images
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