So Orton is not the answer. If you want a playoff team any time soon, I don't think Manuel is either. And of course, no 1st round pick in 2015. So what should happen? This defense - although not perfect - is a pretty special one. I don't see how the guys on this roster (especially on D) would buy into developing Manuel for another year. And I know most fans won't (if that matters). Maybe he can be the guy, but let him be a backup for now. Or at the very least, bring in someone other than Orton and let Manuel compete for the job.
So if we want to take advantage of this defense and this receiver talent, who do we go for? There may be a lot of guys available come March 2015, including:
Newton
RG III
Cutler
Bradford
Hoyer
Sanchez
Mallett
McCoy
These aren't necessarily great names, and some of them might even seem downright ugly. My two cents - if there's a shot at getting Cam Newton, I'd go after it hard. Fire away.