Tim Tebow’s legion of fans will be Tebowing somewhere other than Denver this season.
Fresh off landing Peyton Manning yesterday, the Broncos reportedly are prepared to trade Tebow despite the fiercely debated quarterback leading them to the playoffs last season — and despite a postseason promise by Denver VP John Elway that Tebow would enter training camp as the presumptive starter in 2012.
Elway broke that pledge in very public fashion the past two weeks, making the Broncos the first team out of the gate to pursue Manning after the four-time MVP quarterback was released by the Colts 13 days ago.
Any thought the Broncos might keep the unorthodox Tebow around to learn from Manning and run the Wildcat formation was quickly scotched yesterday. ESPN reported Elway immediately planned to deal Tebow as soon as he found out Manning was Denver-bound.
A league source speculated the Broncos would go so far as to release Tebow if they can’t find a trade partner because the cost to their salary cap would be minimal.
Speculation on Tebow’s next stop — assuming the Broncos can trade him — centered immediately on the three teams in the former Heisman Trophy winner’s home state of Florida.
The Dolphins quickly tried to put a stop to that, signing former Jaguars passer David Garrard last night, and Tampa hasn’t shown any interest, either. But Tebow grew up in the Jacksonville area, and the Jaguars are likely to feel fan pressure to add him despite his awkward quarterbacking skills.
The Patriots also could be interested, considering new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made Tebow a first-round pick two years ago and New England likes to use unusual sets on offense. The Eagles, too, might be in the market for a mobile backup to Michael Vick.
Tebow has not spoken publicly since the Broncos’ interest in Manning became known, a stance that included him cancelling a planned media session at one of his Florida charity events earlier this month on the same day Manning was visiting Denver’s practice facility.
Elway’s decision is hardly a surprise, considering the Hall of Fame quarterback could hardly hide his dismay — and at times disgust — last season while Tebow unconventionally pulled out comeback win after improbable comeback win.
Tebow was 8-5 in 13 starts for the Broncos last season, including a staggering playoff upset of the Steelers, but he completed just 47 percent of his passes.
“I wouldn’t say I feel bad for him,” Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers told Denver reporters yesterday when asked about Tebow. “It’s a business. And I’m pretty sure Tim understands that. ... We wish him luck, no matter what he does. I hope he’s here. He’s a great leader, a great locker room guy.”
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