The two most captivating quarterback stories of the past year have now collided in the biggest way – Peyton Manning will join the Denver Broncos, who will in turn look to trade cult hero Tim Tebow.
We all knew that John Elway was never Tebow’s biggest fan…and we all knew that Denver were one of the teams that was desperate to land Peyton Manning once it was announced that the Colts were severing ties with the future hall of famer.
But, who really thought that Peyton would choose Denver over some of the other options? The 49ers just acquired Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to go with Michael Crabtree and stud tight end Vernon Davis. They have a great running game and the best defence in the NFL.
Compare this with Denver whose running game was reliant on an aging Willis McGahee and who defensively got flayed by the Patriots in their most recent outing. Not to mention the receiver core features Demaryius Thomas and an assortment of extras from Friday Night Lights.
But – in Denver he will get a defensive minded head coach in John Fox, that will leave him alone and allow Manning to run his own offence, as he was accustomed to in Indianapolis. Jim Harbaugh is a much more hands on play-caller, and perhaps Manning did not want to enter a system in which he didn’t have complete control.
As much as I love Tebow, this was a move that any team would make in this position.
The fact that Denver’s odds of winning the Superbowl were just slashed from $100 to $18 overnight reflects this. No question that Peyton suddenly gives the Ravens, Steelers and Patriots a fourth team to be worried about going forward.
But let’s spare a thought for number 15 – what’s next for him?
The obvious choices are in his home state of Florida, with either the Dolphins or the Jaguars. But both of these teams have rookie head coaches, and do you really want to stake your professional future on an unorthodox player like Tebow? He can be great when he’s on, but we all saw how ineffective he can be.
That said, I believe the Jaguars would be a perfect fit for him.
A good defence, and MJD is arguably the best running back in the NFL. He suffered with eight or nine defenders in the box all of last year and still took home the rushing title. Not to mention that the Jags’ starting quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, is terrible.
Plus, the half-empty stadium in Jacksonville would suddenly be filled to the brim with rabid Gator fans, and filling that stadium is something they need to do, lest eventually face the prospect of being relocated to Los Angeles or a different location.
I could also see him head to a contender as the back-up quarterback.
It’s well known that Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick are both huge fans of Tebow, and Belichick has a history of being able to change players style and even positions (Julian Edelman is the most recent example) to better fit the team. You could be sure to see Tebow in at fullback at some point, throwing blocks for Tom Brady and catching passes out of the backfield.
So mercifully, the drama surrounding the Peyton Manning saga is finally over…the Broncos become legitimate Super Bowl contenders overnight, and the most popular player in the league will need to find a new home.
The next few weeks will be saturated with where Tim Tebow ends up.
Either way, I get to buy a new jersey – I’d love to see him backing up Flacco at the Ravens.
Eric George
Guest
The Tebow to the Pats chatter seems pretty far-fetched. The Patriots have so many gaping needs, and have already been busy with some veteran signings. Tebowmania really wouldn't permit anything short of him starting at QB, and I can't see Belichick adding Tebow as a fourth QB on his roster, or accepting the distractions that Tebow will bring to any team. Surely the Jags won't make the same mistake twice and miss on Tebow again!
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Tebow is likely to go for a fourth round pick. If that. Geez, am I happy that Seattle got Matt Flynn, for no draft picks and $8m a year for 3 years
B.A Sports
You can only play two TE's in any one play and the Pats already have two of the best three in the league (argueably). Yeah a running back who can throw a bit would be the more likely change (if he changed roles) and that might work in New England. They have The Law Firm who is reliable (but not a big meter gainer) and Woody who's great when you run the no huddle for a few sequences, but Tebow would be interesting. I think the Pat's need their draft picks though to fix up their D, so i don't know what else they would have of value that they would be willing to trade?
Chris Chard
Expert
Huuuuuge News! First the Manning circus now the Tebow sideshow! Feel a bit sorry for Tebow but Manning (when healthy) gives their recievers that consistency that Tebow never could. The 49ers and the Dolphins seem like the big losers at the moment with FA, but I have to agree the Jaguars seem like a good fit. Personally though i'd love him as a running back for the Steelers... Great article btw
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
@TheMattBungard is my twitter - I just write here these days!
mushi
Roar Guru
He was always clear that it was unlikely to ever go to the NFC as his dream outcome is to play his brother for the Super Bowl title. Plus the 49ers schedule will be tougher next year due to their finish and the Broncos have truck loads of cap room. I am admittedly a Denver fan and not a lover of Tebow. As in I think Tebow is a fine player but not worth the draft pick or hype that has been bestowed (neither of which are his fault). Big day for the Broncos and given his short list not entirely unexpected.
Sam
Guest
Hi Matt, Do you have a twitter I can follow ? Or a blog/own site ?
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
I thought the 49ers would've been better for Peyton. cameronlarkin.com
Blazza
Guest
All good my friend.
B.A Sports
Sorry I meant Garrard. (we had a fire alarm going off in the back ground when i was typing!)
Blazza
Guest
David Garrard has signed with the Dolphins. Blaine Gabbert and maybe a draft pick for Tebow will probs be the trade. Doubt a first will do it but could be.
B.A Sports
Gabbard has reportedly joined the Dolphins on a one year deal. I really thought he would go to Tennassee. Never thought it would be the 49'ers, west coast lifestyle doesn't suit him and he would be in his brothers NFC. Denver - wow. It will be fascinating to see how the Denver fans react.I reckon if they are trailing at Quarter time in Rd 1, they will start the Teebow chants!
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
I would agree with this in most cases, but I think the Jags would welcome the media circus. They are the least supported team in the NFL and pretty much an afterthought on everyone's mind...much like Denver were in the Cutler/Orton years. There'd suddenly be a gigantic upswing in their jersey sales (I'd buy one, of course) and all of a sudden the half empty stadium would be full and more of their games would find their way to national television coverage. It's an absolute no-brainer for them. Swallow your pride and admit Gabbert is a bust and roll the dice with Tebow, Jags. You know it makes sense.
Sam
Guest
Enjoyed the blog, Looking forward to seeing how Peyton goes in Denver, Really cant see why he wouldnt have gone to 49ers, they are such a strong protection based team. Lets see how Tebow-mania unfolds now. @mono85 - twitter
Blazza
Guest
Jacksonville will go hard for him, since its his home and they need the publicity. Thought Peyton made the wrong choice i don't see how Denver come close to either the Niners,Titans or even the Dolphins. Dolphins have now screwed themselves by trading their number 1 receiver and not going after Flynn. I think the Manning's father has dreams of a Manning bowl hence why he will stay in the AFC, but just imagine what he could of done with what San Fran have.....wow.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Nope. A running back who throws occasionally. Which, frankly, is what he was in Denver. Oh yeah, and Matt Flynn to Seattle on a cap-friendly contract. oooh baby
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
There are whispers of Tebow moving to the Patriots, and maybe even changing positions! Tight end?
Chop
Guest
I can't blame Denver for going after Manning and good for Elway and the Bronco's for making it happen. I do feel sorry for Tebow though, I can't see him possibly staying in Devner because he and Peyton couldn't possibly run the same offensive scheme. Jacksonville would fit nicely, it would boost the commericial aspect of the Jags and you'd expect the Tebow jersey to jump of the shelves should that happen. Miami and Minnesota are places I can also see him landing. I doubt Tebow will have much if any trade value so someone will collect him on waivers eventually. The only question will be if teams are ready for the media circus which would go along with signing him. Frankly I doubt it.