By Marc Sessler
Around the League Writer
The
New York Jets chiseled away at their epic quarterback depth chart on Monday by
waving farewell to Tim Tebow.
It was a move long in the making. New York washes its hands of a headache-inducing, public drama and Tebow is set free to find work elsewhere. But will he?
Tebow's days as a starting quarterback appear over, but his experience with read-option concepts couldn't come at a better time. While it's plausible Tebow's next gig comes up north in Canada -- or at a CVS near you -- forging an NFL career as a fullback/tight end/X-factor isn't out of the question.
Let's examine a handful of possible landing spots:
New England Patriots: As
Bill Belichick watched the
Jets muddle around with Tebow last season, he went on record in October to say,
"Of course he's a valuable guy." Belichick adores players from the University of Florida and might embrace the chance to use Tebow creatively on offense at a position other than quarterback. Turning
Jets trash into
Patriots treasure is a motivator.
San Diego Chargers: The link here is coach Mike McCoy, who squeezed every gift out of Tebow back in 2011 as offensive coordinator of the
Denver Broncos.
Philip Rivers is cemented into place under center, but McCoy is a highly innovative thinker who's proven he can make the most of Tebow's skill-set.
Seattle Seahawks: Bottom line: Does Tebow give you a better read-option-friendly backup than
Brady Quinn,
Josh Portis or
Jerrod Johnson? Yes, and
Pete Carroll isn't afraid to do the unexpected.
Washington Redskins: Same situation here. If the
Redskins signed
Pat White to simulate
Robert Griffin III in practice, couldn't Tebow do the same?
Oakland Raiders: Dennis Allen witnessed Tebow's theatrics firsthand in Denver, and the
Raiders need every weapon they can find on offense. Why not bring him in to compete?
Cleveland Browns: It's a long way from sunny Florida, but coach Rob Chudzinski ran an option-fueled offense in Carolina; none of Cleveland's current quarterbacks bring that flavor. The
Browns didn't add a passer in the draft and appear married to the idea of giving
Brandon Weeden another season, but Tebow would give this young team some flexibility.
And while this next one's a logical fit -- at least from a marketing angle -- it won't happen:
Jacksonville Jaguars: General manager
David Caldwell said in January, "I can't imagine a scenario where (Tebow) would be a Jacksonville Jaguar." Asked if that might change if Tebow were released, Caldwell was firm:
"Even if he's released."
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
