Thursday began and ended with Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton still in Dove Valley. Orton was running the first-team offense during the first practice of training camp. This despite much speculation that Orton had been negotiating a contract with the Dolphins.
However, according to the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, the issue is either compensation (reportedly a third-round pick) or that Orton and the Dolphins have yet to reach a mutual pact on a new contract. Salguero believes this could go on until Aug. 4 when teams need to be under the salary cap at the start of the new league year.
The issue over compensation could be an issue since the Broncos don't have much leverage, as Kevin Kolb is finally with the Arizona Cardinals. As ESPN's John Clayton offers, the Broncos are looking for a better offer than what they are receiving at the moment. The Cardinals sent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick to the Eagles for the quarterback. And then they gave Kolb a $63 million contract.
Kent Somers of AZCentral.com offers some info on why the Cards ultimately opted for Kolb:
The Cardinals were concerned about Orton's performance in the red zone and on third-down. Kolb, who is a bit younger, has more upside in their eyes. Plus, two teams -- the Bears and Broncos -- have been willing to part with Orton. Why?
But then Kolb doesn't have as much experience as Orton to find out if he has those issues. Still, the Dolphins do appear to want Orton. The question is how much longer they will haggle with the Broncos.
Stick with this StoryStream as the competition heats up or a trade is made. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report.