Tim Tebow has been the subject of trade speculation all offseason as he sits on the New York Jets roster and his name came up once again on Monday as the team held its annual conference call with season-ticket holders.
According to NFL.com, team executives as well as head coach Rex Ryan and John Idzik were on the call with ticket holders and answered a range of questions about the Jets' season, including the Mark Sanchez butt fumble and the speculation surrounding the possible trade of cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Time Tebow's name also came up during the call and naturally Idzik and the Jets played coy about what their plans are for the most popular backup quarterback in sports. When asked about the future of Tebow on the team and how he factors into the offense, the general manager said:
"He's currently on our roster. We're trying to increase competition at that position." He later added: "We're going to let that competition play out."
The two answered questions about the Revis trade rumors, with Ryan denying them and saying that he is doing well in his rehabilitation from knee surgery. Revis was hurt against the Dolphins early in the year and was lost for the season. The Jets and the cornerback have been at odds over a contract, as Revis would like to be paid as one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
Ryan said about the trade rumors: "There was no truth to that," while Idzik said Revis is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury and says their focus is on getting the cornerback healthy and on the field.
The Jets had a disappointing season after finishing 6-10 in the AFC East and the team had issues at quarterback all season, as Mark Sanchez regressed in his fourth season, throwing 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Ryan commented about appearing on the HBO show "Hard Knocks" again, but that it was very likely that would not be happening. The team was asked about the roster and what the team is building towards next season, with Idzik calling the situation a rebuilding one.
"There's a negative connotation with rebuilding, but every team retools or rebuilds to a certain extent. That said, we have a fine foundation here," he said.
One caller spoke about the infamous butt-fumble incident, which saw quarterback Mark Sanchez mess up a play with a running back before tucking the ball to scramble. As he hits the line of scrimmage he crashed into the backside of a lineman, fumbling the ball and allowing the Patriots to score a touchdown.
"We are the butt/butt fumble joke of the NFL," the fan said.
Ryan was also asked about being an NFL laughing stock and a team called a "circus" at times, but he responded that he doesn't really see it that way and that players have a desire to come to the team.
"You'll be surprised how many guys want to come here. The New York Jets are team that many players want to play for, if not all," Ryan said.
The Jets have made a number of changes this offseason, including by cutting veteran players like Jason Smith and Bart Scott. The team also fired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and is planning on adding a new scheme to the offensive side of the ball. The team ranked second in passing yards allowed per game, but were ranked 30th in passing yards with Sanchez and McElroy.
Tebow has been the subject of trade talks and the team has shopped him around the NFL while at the scouting combine.