The New York Jets have been figuring out what to do with Tim Tebow all offseason and while the team has been trying to shop him around the league, so far no takers have stepped up to the plate, leaving the quarterback to wait in the wind until the offseason training program begins next week, the biggest question though is will he show up?
According to ESPN.com, despite the fact that the team has signaled it wants to trade him or release him eventually, sources said that Tebow will attend the voluntary workouts that being on Monday of next week. Tebow originally signed a five year contract when he was drafted by the Broncos and his deal keeps him under contract with the Jets for two more seasons. The report says that although the team has been looking into trading Tebow, since there has been no imminent deals, the Jets may release him after the NFL draft.
The team has been dealing with trade speculation on a number of fronts this offseason, with both Tebow and cornerback Darrelle Revis being shopped. The Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were trying to work out a deal for Revis, but things slowed down when first round draft picks started getting involved in the negotiations. Revis will also be at workouts this offseason, as the team is forcing him to attend as part of his contract, which has $3 million in bonus money tied to it.
The report also says that Revis could be dealt before or during the draft, as the two teams have come close to an agreement, but there are still details to be worked out. Tebow had a rough year in New York last season and the Jets never could figure out a consistent way to use him, as he was barely on the field and gained just 102 yards on the ground and 39 through the air on six completions. Tebow has some company at the position on the Jets roster, with Mark Sanchez, David Garrard, Greg McElory and Matt Simms all fighting to hang on.
Heading into training camp there is a chance that the team could bring the number down to four, with Tebow likely gone by the time that comes around. While the Jets say that there will be a competition for the quarterback position, Tebow is not part of that plan and the team has no interest in using him as a starter.
Tebow has spent the offseason working out around the country, including at various times in Arizona, SMU in Texas as well as most recently in Tampa with Vinny Testaverde, where he had a private workout at Jesuit High School. Tebow also made an appearance on the Wichita State team bus after the squad made the Final Four and he gave them a pep talk while waiting at the airport. Tebow proved he could start in the NFL by leading the Broncos to a playoff win and a division title, but so far no other team has given him a chance.
