Denver Broncos Sign Butler, Orton to Future Contracts

Greg Orton (89) runs after a catch during training camp at the Broncos training facility. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos signed cornerback Mario Butler and wide receiver Greg Orton to future contracts.

Butler was on the Broncos’ practice squad for the second half of the 2012 season. Out of Georgia Tech, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a college free agent in 2011. He played in one game for the Cowboys during the 2011 season.

Orton got his start with the Broncos on the practice squad during the second half to the team’s 2011 season. He was on the practice squad for the entire 2012 season. Out of Purdue, Orton spent his first year in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009, and spent some time with the Arena Football League’s Spokane Shock and the United Football League’s Omaha Nighthawks.

A futures contract signs the player for the upcoming season even though that season doesn’t officially begin until the official start of the new league year. Only players who weren’t on an active roster the previous season are eligible for this type of contract. Futures contracts allow teams to continue to work with players they’re familiar with, with the hopes that they will be able to get them read for an actual roster spot.

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