Tim Tebow has been one the main topics this offseason for the New York Jets as the team tries to figure out exactly what they would like to do with the quarterback in the future.
The team has already taken steps to shed payroll this offseason by releasing veteran players like Bart Scott and Calvin Pace and according to CBSSports.com, the team and new general manager John Idzik are planning to shop Tebow at the NFL combine to gauge any interest in the quarterback.
Based on the NFL schedule, the Jets can't trade Tebow until March 12, but the team will likely need that much time to find a trade partner anyway, as the market for the quarterback appears cold. The Jaguars were looking like the most favorable candidate when the season ended since Tebow is from there and played college in Florida, but the team said it was not interested.
Jaguars general manager David Caldwell was quoted in his opening press conference talking about the idea of bringing in Tebow.
"He is a member of the New, so I can't imagine a scenario where he would be a Jacksonville Jaguar," Caldwell said during a January press conference. "I can't imagine a scenario where Tim Tebow would be a Jacksonville Jaguar -- even if he's released."
There is a chance the Jets could release him down the line since they found such little use for him last year, but they would much rather get something in return for the player they traded a fourth and sixth round draft pick for. The team barely used Tebow, brining him on the field for about 70 plays, in which he rushed for 102 yards while completing six of eight pass attempts for just 39 yards. He was also used on special teams.
Rex Ryan was asked about plans for Tebow next year and if he would be competing with Mark Sanchez for the starting position.
"Tim is under contract to be a New York Jet," Ryan said at the NFL scouting combine to ESPN.com. "We will see how things go in the offseason. Everything is too early to tell right now," Ryan said. "We don't know how the offseason goes, how the draft goes, how free agency goes. There are a lot of variables. Before I can go on record with any statement like that, I realize it is a long process."
Tebow still has two years one his contract and is set to make $2.6 million next season and while that is a high price for a backup quarterback, some other team in the league could take him and use him in more favorable situations and schemes.
One of the most interesting landing spots for Tebow (and one of the most unlikely) is with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. While the Jets would rather not deal with their rivals, Belichick is the type of coach who has the track record to take all types of players and put them in successful situations.
If he makes the deal, Belichick could be the coach that convinces Tebow to play a different position, something that could help add a different dimension to the Patriots offense.
Some other AFC rosters that Tebow could fit on could be the Kansas City Chiefs, who have some big issues at quarterback after playing Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn last season, as well as the Oakland Raiders, who have always proven to be willing to take a risk on quarterbacks (i.e. Jamarcus Russell and Terrelle Pryor).
Other possible landing spots for Tebow include the Jacksonville Jaguars (despite the comments), as well as the Cleveland Browns. While the Jaguars have been adamant about not trading for Tebow, things could change down the line if owner Shad Khan decides he wants him.
The Browns are under a new regime with a new coach and general manager and they could be an option if they decide Brandon Weeden is not the answer at quarterback.