With the Kyle Orton trade talks between the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins currently stalled, Orton is still the first-team quarterback. However, that could change by Aug. 4, the start of the new league year. The assumption has been the Broncos need to cut money in a number of places to get under the salary cap on that day. Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald believes that could force the Broncos to cut Orton, effectively eliminating any sort of leverage the team may have had left.

However, it has been confirmed that dead money from players cut won't count against the cap this season (first reported by Mile High Report). That will give the Broncos a bit more breathing space than previously expected and room to keep Kyle Orton. 

The issues still in place are the compensation the Broncos will receive and a new contract for Orton. Orton is due nearly $9 million this season and he wants a long-term deal. ESPN's Adam Schefter has termed the trade as being "on life support."

Stick with this StoryStream as the competition heats up or a trade is made. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report.