New York Jets Release Tim Tebow Could He Become a Patriot?
The New York Jets just can’t stay out of the media’s bullseye. As the New York Jets welcomed West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in the 2013 NFL Draft in the second round at the No. 39 overall, the Jets said good-bye to Tim Tebow this morning, face-to-face as he arrived at the Jets facility for another day of workouts – reported by NFL Albert Breer.
Nov 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) leads his teammates and New England Patriots players in prayer after the game on Thanksgiving at Metlife Stadium. The Patriots won the game 49-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In 2012, Tim Tebow had a record of 39 passing yards and 102 rushing yards and the question that comes to everyone minds is where will Tebow land next?
Drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Tebow had a great rookie season playing scarcely in six games as a back-up before starting the last three games of the Bronco’s season. He finished his rookie season with a total of 654 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, and he also rushed for 227 yards and six touchdowns. But in my opinion the real highlight of his career was during the first round of playoff in 2011 when the Broncos hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tebow threw for a career high of 316 yards and two touchdowns including a 80 yard touchdown to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime finishing at game with a 29-23 win.
NFL Network Marc Sessler has listed the New England Patriots as number one on his list for a possible landing spot for Tim Tebow and cited Bill Belichick saying “he’s a valuable guy” back in October 2012. It’s fair to say Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had his influence while with the Broncos back in 2010 in the drafting of Tebow. Also, Belichick had some interest in Tim Tebow in 2010 while it might not have been clear in the media, it was mentioned in the book War Room by Michael Holley, but that was back then.
Bill Belichick had Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) fit into the “no publicity stunts” with the Patriots organization, but Tebow is a tall order to put any publicity behind. He has good character, never got into trouble, so in that regards, it should not be a problem. Tebow just got into a bad situation at the wrong time, and by no means, I think he is “bad player”. He’s hard working and all he needs is a better opportunity and better coaching. But the money situation in Tebow’s contract complicate things.
It’s often noted that he forges an NLF career as a fullback/tight end X-factor, but at only 25 years-old, 6’3”, 236 lbs, (Gronk 6’6”, 265 lbs, Hernandez 6’1” 245 lbs) I think Tebow could be used as a flexible and versatile player in the Belichick offensive scheme. But if he’s unwilling to be flexible as reported by Adam Schefter then it’s a big No in Belichick’s perspective.
(And the more I think about it, the less I would want Tebow as a Patriots because there’s no way his publicity baggage will go away)
Follow Celia Westbrook on Twitter @celiawestbrook