Tim Tebow is almost certain to be playing for a team other than the Jets in 2013.(Photo: Wade Payne, AP)
By naming third-string quarterback Greg McElroy as their starter for
the season's final two games, the New York Jets have essentially
acknowledged that Tim Tebow isn't a key part of the team's plans for
2013. On Wednesday, Tebow said he hadn't asked for a trade, instead
deferring that potential conversation to the end of the season. Tebow
wasn't used well in the Jets offense, and his presence seemed to be a
distraction in the locker room since he was acquired. Assuming one or
both sides pull the plug on the relationship, here are five destinations
where Tebow could land in 2013.
MORE: Jets could part ways with Sanchez and Tebow
Jacksonville Jaguars
The
obvious choice. Tebow's hometown team is struggling at quarterback, and
he'd find a more welcoming fan base there than in any other NFL city.
MORE: Tebow's time in New York nears end
Kansas City Chiefs
If
the Chiefs clean house and bring in Chip Kelly or Broncos offensive
coordinator Mike McCoy to coach the team, Tebow could be a good fit
should they choose to try to incorporate some version of a
spread-option offense into the team's play-calling.
MORE: Report: Tebow may ask for trade
New England Patriots
Unlike
with the Jets, there's no chance Tom Brady is going to play poorly
enough to cause a quarterback controversy. If Tebow is willing to accept
a backup role and defer to Brady and Bill Belichick, the Patriots might
be willing to give him a look, especially if offensive coordinator
Josh McDaniels, his first head coach in the NFL, doesn't get offered a
top job elsewhere.
MORE: Jets bench slumping Sanchez in favor of McElroy
San Diego Chargers
This falls into
the same situation as the Chiefs, in that a new coach (or possibly
their new general manager) could see value in bringing Tebow in to
spell mmobile Philip Rivers in goal-line and other run-friendly
situations.
Canadian Football League
The Web was on
fire Wednesday with discussions about whether Tebow would be a good fit
in Canada, but it might not hurt him to try to hone his skills outside
of the news media spotlight for a year or two if he's going to languish
in a third-string or situational role in the NFL. It would be an
unconventional move, but Tebow isn't exactly a normal pro football
player
USA Today