A day after signing a potential third-string quarterback, the Miami Dolphins appear to be ready to christen a new starter.

The Sun-Sentinel is reporting the Dolphins "appear to be the front runner" for Denver QB Kyle Orton, a friend and former teammate of Miami receiver Brandon Marshall.

According to the Sentinel, the Dolphins are engaged in contract negotiations with Orton, who expects to be traded this week. He is owed $9 million in 2011, but would like to sign a multi-year contract extension with the team that lands him.

The 28-year-old has been much maligned but has won most of the 51 starts he has had in the NFL. But losing your job to Rex Grossman repeatedly doesn't look good on your resume, just ask Donovan McNabb.

Last season, Orton passed for 3,653 yards, 20 touchdowns to nine interceptions, and completed 58 percent of his throws. But the Broncos reportedly want to give the starting job to Tim Tebow and probably don't want to have the world's highest paid back up.

Miami has Chad Henne lightly penciled in as the starter, but the eraser dust is but a stroke away if the Dolphins can pull off a deal. It's unclear what the Dolphins will have to give up to get Orton.

The Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks are all reportedly interested in acquiring Orton. However, all three teams are said to be hammering out deals to acquire other quarterbacks, which could leave the Dolphins as Orton's last remaining suitor.

The Broncos acquired Orton in 2009 in a trade with Chicago that sent Jay Cutler to the Bears.

Orton had his best season as a pro when paired with Marshall in 2009. He threw for 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns. Marshall also had a stellar stat sheet that season, collecting 101 passes and scoring 10 TDs.

Reunion anyone?