The Philadelphia Eagles are deciding between Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley as their third string quarterback and a trade with Barkley could be an option for Chip Kelly if Tebow makes the roster, as the QB looked solid in the final preseason game. The Eagles have strong depth at running back this season with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles on the depth chart.
Tebow and Barkley have been battling to stay on the roster this summer and leading into the final preseason game, Chip Kelly said the competition was close. Neither player had been all that impressive compared to the other during the preseason or in camp and that put some weight on the fourth preseason game.
Barkley started the game and did not play great, going just 4-for-9 for 45 yards and one interception. Tebow was better, completing 11 of his 17 passes for 189 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Tebow also flashed his legs with 32 yards on four carries. Tebow likely has the inside edge over Barkley, as he can be more valuable on the roster in certain situations for Kelly. According to Dianna Marie Russini at ESPN, Kelly is "increasingly excited" about having Tebow and last week she reported that Tebow could make the roster without any major "mistakes" moving forward.
Tebow was able to do that in the final preseason game and now Kelly has a decision to make. Kelly likely will not keep four quarterbacks on the roster and there is a chance he may not even want to keep three. But with Sam Bradford coming off of two knee surgeries, Kelly likely will want some more depth behind Mark Sanchez. Tebow is not a typical backup QB compared to Barkley, but that could be what intrigues Kelly about him.
Kelly has a unique offensive system and if he keeps Tebow he can use the quarterback in certain situations, including goal line, two point conversions and as a decoy. There is also a chance Tebow never sees the field even if he makes the team, but that is getting ahead of things. Kelly values every spot on the 53-man roster and if he thinks that what he needs to have is an average backup quarterback, Barkley could be the pick.
Kelly drafted Barkley two years ago and in that short time he has not done much for the Eagles, throwing just 50 passes over two seasons. Barkley only threw one pass last season despite Nick Foles being out half the year and that could be a telling sign of what Kelly ends up doing. Kelly has praised Tebow numerous times through the summer and has commented that his accuracy and throwing ability has been improving.
Kelly also could consider adding Kenjon Barner to the mix, as he had a solid preseason as well. The Eagles have DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles to give the team depth at running back and Barner also could get a chance to stick around.