"Kyle Orton was something less than definitive about his future with the Chiefs after their season ended with Sunday's 7-3 win over the Broncos. But he sounded like a guy who has played his last game with the Chiefs. "It was a long year for me," said Orton, a veteran quarterback who began the season as Denver's starter, was benched and eventually released and then claimed by the Chiefs after they lost Matt Cassel for the season because of a hand injury. "I thank the Chiefs for giving me an opportunity to get a fresh start. I really enjoyed playing with those guys in the locker room. I think they've got a solid group of character guys. I appreciate them letting me come in and be a part of the team and finish this season on a strong note." Orton will be a free agent in March if he doesn't re-sign with the Chiefs. Cassel and rookie Ricky Stanzi, who didn't play a down this season, are also under contract. "I don't know," Orton said when asked whether he thought he would return next season. "I'm going to step away. I know they've got a great quarterback in Matt Cassel. Matt's a good friend, he's a great teammate, and he's a great quarterback. As I look at it, it's his team. We'll see what happens." If his time with the Chiefs is done, Orton should be remembered fondly. He took over for Tyler Palko as the starter with the Chiefs on a four-game losing streak and with Romeo Crennel having replaced the fired Todd Haley as head coach. Orton played a part in stabilizing a teetering situation and making Crennel's trial as the interim coach a successful one. Although the Chiefs scored just one touchdown in each of his three starts, they won two of them — with both wins coming over playoff teams. For his part, Orton gave prospective employers, perhaps even the Chiefs, something positive to consider if he heads into free-agency. The previous entry on his work history — being benched in Denver in favor of the passing challenged Tim Tebow — wasn't going to win him much favor."