Former New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is one of the most intriguing and polarizing players in the NFL and wherever he goes he gets intense media scrutiny, which is why a decision about him attending voluntary offseason workouts became a national story and fueled speculation about his future before the Jets finally decided to cut him loose.
According to ESPN.com, Tebow attended workouts for the Jets despite the fact that the team as still holding out hope to trade him and once that did not happen, they released him. The Jets now have to eat the draft picks and the money they sent to the Broncos to get him last year in March.
Looking back on the trade in hindsight, the Jets look foolish for making the move and all signs point to the team making the deal only to help boost ticket and jersey sales, because based on how he was used in the offense it was not a football decision. Tebow originally signed a five-year contract when he was drafted by the Broncos and he still has two years left on it with the Jets.
Owner Woody Johnson said earlier in the year that Tebow would play out his contract with the team, but all signs point to that being untrue now. There was a lot of trade speculation with Tebow and at first it was to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals, but the way the offseason has gone, both those seem unlikely, even after a release. The Jaguars have not expressed interest in acquiring him even if he is cut, while the Cardinals traded for Carson Palmer and appear set to use him as the starter.
The Jets were also trying to trade Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and while it was originally reported that Tebow was not part of any trade talks, he still could end up in Tampa now that he is released, as the team is looking for a challenger for Josh Freeman. The Bucs brought back backup Dan Orlovsky on a one year deal, but he may not be a legitimate contender for the starting job. Tebow was barley used in New York last season, gaining just 102 rushing yards and 39 passing yards with zero touchdowns while being use more as a punt protector (yeah).
The Jets have too many options are quarterback with Mark Sanchez, Matt Simms, David Garrard and Greg McElory, meaning Tebow is likely on his way out of town. Tebow has proven he can be a starter in the NFL by leading the Broncos to a division title and the playoffs and he could be a valuable addition to any team as a leader and a hard worker, including with the Eagles or the Browns. While the Eagles have Dennis Dixon, Michael Vick and Nick Foles, Tebow could serve as a specialty quarterback in new coach Chip Kelly's system and could thrive. Tebow could also end up with teams like the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens among others.