The New York Jets have released quarterback Tim Tebow just days after picking Geno Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft . Mark Sanchez is set to run the Jets’ offense as the Tebow-era is officially over in New York.
The Jets had six quarterbacks on their roster before making the decision to cut Tebow. Outside of Sanchez and the newly acquired Geno Smith, the Jets have Alabama-standout Greg McIlroy and long-time Jacksonville Jaguars starter David Garrard.
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post , Tebow met with head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik Monday morning before being informed of his release.
The Jets are confident that Sanchez can lead the team into the playoffs next season, making the decision to let go of Tebow that much easier. Tebow played in 12 games in his only season with the Jets though he finished with 39 passing yards.
The 25-year-old failed to find the end zone with the Jets and was never given the opportunity to run the offense as Rex Ryan continued to stick with Sanchez through his struggles in 2012. Tebow never complained though many believed he deserved a chance at the starting spot.
Since being released early this morning, Twitter has shed some light on Tebow’s 13-month span with the Jets. ESPN’s Darren Rovell first released the quarterback’s payout during his time as Sanchez’s backup.
Total $ Jets spent on the Tim Tebow experiment? $4,102,000.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) April 29, 2013
Tim Tebow played in 77 offensive snaps in 2012 or 7% of the total Jets plays (via @ espnstatsinfo ) — darren rovell (@darrenrovell) April 29, 2013
ESPN’s Adam Schefter went on to release a comment by Rex Ryan on Tebow’s departure.
Rex Ryan: “We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2013
Tebow’s career is now in jeopardy as the Jaguars’ interest in the controversial quarterback has disappeared since trade rumors surfaced last season. No other team has expressed an interest in bringing in Tebow though many teams will re-evaluate their stance now that he’s on the market.
It couldn’t hurt to add Tebow to your roster as he’s proven he can win games in the NFL and can be a force in the red zone. He also has experience as a starter after leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in 2011.
Kyle Orton began 2011 as the Broncos’ starter but lost the job to Tebow after a 1-4 start. Head coach John Fox put his trust in Tebow and the young man delivered as the Broncos regained momentum and sneaked into the playoffs.
Tebow’s moment came in the first round as the Broncos upset the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Heisman winner passed for a career-high 316 yards in the game, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.
The Broncos were knocked out in the next round after a 45-10 beating by the New England Patriots, though Tebow’s play wasn’t overlooked. He was traded to the Jets before the 2012 season as Peyton Manning signed a huge deal to become the newest starter in Denver.
Ever since the trade, Tebow has filled the papers but hasn’t seen much time on the field. His lack of playtime wasn’t helping the Jets as they finished with a 6-10 record.
The focus now turns to Tebow’s future in the NFL and nobody knows where he will end up, if anywhere. No matter how it all plays out, the chances of Tebow giving up on his NFL dreams are highly unlikely.
Does Tim Tebow deserve a shot with another team after the New York Jets released him on Monday? Which teams would be the best fit for the league’s newest free agent?
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