Jeff Tuel

He was a late signing at the conclusion of the preseason, a veteran presence that Bills head coach Doug Marrone felt had to be on the roster at the most important position. Come season’s end Kyle Orton made 12 starts going 7-5 for the Bills. On Monday he announced this season would be his last in the NFL.

“I just have been going at it for 10 years and it’s just a family decision and I’ve decided to get home and be a dad and call it a day,” said Orton.

Orton, who was contemplating retirement this past offseason signed with the Bills and had a player option to return for the 2015 season, but wanting to be close to family again has his mind made up.

“I think I’ve been away from my parents since going to college, so 14 years,” he said. “Anytime you have a chance to end on a good note and go home and spend time with family that’s really important to me and my wife and we’re just excited to move on.”

He also said there is no NFL scenario that will change his mind to retire at this time.

Orton’s retirement leaves the Bills without a veteran at the quarterback position. E.J. Manuel and Jeff Tuel were the only other quarterbacks on the roster. The time Orton spent with Manuel this season however, has him optimistic about the former first-round pick’s future with Buffalo, the story said. However it remains to be seen if the team will turn back to Manuel and give him another chance.