Orton eyes long stay in Chicago

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Last season, the Chicago Bears' quarterback job was Rex Grossman's to lose. Which he eventually did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Kyle Orton, in his third season, was given the nod for the final three games. In part because of the way he finished up, he has been given something else - another year on his contract.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Orton officially signed it Tuesday afternoon just before holding a media conference call. The Bears are committed to him for two years and Grossman one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Orton didn't have much reaction to the significance of the math difference.

"I looked at it as what a great deal it was financially for my family," he said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Patience paid off for the former Purdue star, selected by Chicago in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He won 10 games as a starter as a rookie before watching from the sidelines most of the next two seasons.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Orton acknowledged it wasn't easy biding his time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">"Sure, you all know how difficult it was for me," he said. "Some times I handled it better than other times. It's a great opportunity for the future. I'd love to make the best out of it and have a nice long career in Chicago."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">The way he finished up in 2007 will make training camp much more interesting - and scrutinized. Every move made by Orton and Grossman - and Brian Griese? - will be recorded for all to see, hear or read.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Orton said he doesn't think the upcoming high-profile battle will be awkward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">"Rex and I have been around each other for quite a while and have a good relationship," he said. "We're comfortable around each other.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">"It should be stiff competition that helps both of us. I'm just looking forward to it."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Orton has a career passer rating of 62.2, but posted a 73.9 mark those final three games. His record is 12-6 as a starter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Signing the extension means not being able to leave as a free agent after 2008. That doesn't concern him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">"I feel very comfortable in Chicago," he said. "I love the city. I've got a very loyal group of fans, and I want to do everything possible to be here."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="">Reed Schreck is the NFL writer for the Rockford Register Star. Contact him at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.