The New England Patriots are getting some publicity and attention that they don't usually enjoy, as tight end Aaron Hernandez is being questioned as part of a murder investigated and while he is not a suspect, the issue coupled with Rob Gronkowski's surgery could give Tim Tebow the chance to play tight end.
According to ESPN.com, Hernandez was questioned by police and his home was searched after a man died that was an associate of his. While he is not looked at as a suspect, the development is troubling for the Patriots, as they just gave Hernandez a five-year extension and on top of that Gronkowski underwent another surgery this offseason and his availability at the start of 2013 is in question. While Bill Belichick has said that Tebow will be used as a quarterback, will this situation start to turn the tide?
Tebow has said that he wants to remain a quarterback, but after coming in with the Patriots, he may do whatever he needs to for him to help the team and that could mean playing some tight end. Tebow has the skills and the build for it and he is athletic and while he isn't as dynamic as Hernandez and Gronkowski, getting him onto the field in those spots could be a good way to use him. Tebow has shown that he can move on the field and if the Patriots have issues this season with injuries at the position again, this could be his opportunity.
Tebow finished last season with the Jets with just 102 yards rushing and 39 passing, but that doesn't mean he won't get on the field for the Patriots. Depending on what happens heading into training camp will determine the use of Tebow, but Belichick could try to work him in just to see if it's a fit. Tebow is back with his former coach in Josh McDaniels and since he is a good offensive mind, he might be able to figure out some things to do with Tebow.
McDaniels in the one who drafted him in Denver and with Ryan Mallett firmly planted as the backup, this could be a way to keep Tebow on the active roster during games as well. Tebow showed what he could do when on the field with the ball and since Tom Brady isn't going anywhere, this could be a good way for the team to use him. The deal Tebow got has no guarantees so it wouldn't be much of a risk anyway and if it ended up working out, Belichick would look like a genius and the Jets would look like clowns, again.
The Hernandez case still has a lot to clear up, but depending on what happens, Tebow could benefit from the hardship of his old teammate at Florida. There were reports when Tebow signed that he could be used as a tight end, although he is hesitant to move positions, but if the team needs him, he could get called into action. Tebow was a good soldier while serving as a blocker for the Jets and he likely will take any role the team wants to give him.
