The NFL's 3 p.m. CST waiver claim deadline for recently released quarterback Kyle Orton has come and gone, and it turns out the Chicago Bears have not won the claim for Orton's services. After Jay Cutler injured his in thumb in last week's game against the Chargers for the Bears, Orton's agent made the push for his client's release with an eye on getting his client back to Chicago. There were several teams reportedly interested Orton, including the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, and there were reports that Orton tried to make sure the Chiefs knew he might not report to Kansas City. Apparently that wasn't enough to stop Todd Haley and company. The Kansas City Chiefs will now have to pay the remaining $2.5 million on Orton's deal only if he does report to the team. It will be interesting to see if Orton actually reports to get his full pay day.
Earlier Wednesday, Caleb Hanie told media members in a press conference that he had been assured the starting job regardless of whether the team added Orton or another veteran quarterback. The Bears quickly signed veteran Josh McCown to a one-year deal as soon as the news broke.
According to Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post, the Cowboys and the Bears were the other teams that put in claims for Kyle Orton, but the Chiefs won the claim by virtue of having the worst record.
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