Cowboys Release Orton

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Quarterback Kyle Orton has been released by the Dallas Cowboys. He had skipped all of the offseason workouts amid reports he might retire. The move saves Dallas about $3.25 million this season, but will cost the team about that amount on the salary cap over the next two seasons.

Former Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden takes over as Tony Romo's backup. Weeden, Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 2012, signed with the Cowboys in March and worked with the first team during the offseason while Romo continued his recovery from back surgery.