Chiefs claim Orton; Bears sign McCown
The Bears signed a veteran quarterback on Wednesday, except it wasn't Kyle Orton.
After the Kansas City Chiefs claimed Orton on waivers, the Bears signed veteran backup Josh McCown to a one-year deal. McCown, 32, has played in 49 games (31 starts) for the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2009.
McCown is expected to assume the role of the Bears' No. 2 quarterback behind Caleb Hanie. Rookie Nathan Enderle likely will remain as the team's emergency quarterback.
It shouldn't take McCown as long to adjust to Mike Martz's offensive system as it would for most quarterbacks. McCown was a backup quarterback under Martz in 2006 for the Lions.
For a while, it seemed as if Orton would be a perfect fit to return to the Bears. He was granted his request to be placed on waivers this week by the Denver Broncos, but the Chiefs (4-6) had priority over the Bears (7-3) in the NFL's waiver claim order.
The Chiefs sorely needed a quarterback after their starter, Matt Cassel, was injured earlier this month. Chiefs backup Tyler Palko struggled badly in a blowout loss to New England on Monday.
However, Bears fans won't have to wait long to see Orton. The Chiefs will visit Soldier Field on Dec. 4.
Martz and Bears coach Lovie Smith are scheduled to meet with the media Wednesday afternoon. Check back with nwherald.com for their comments.
-Tom Musick
