If Tom Brady had his way, Tim Tebow would likely still be a rostered player with the New England Patriots. Tebow was cut from the teams final roster last week but Brady says he really enjoyed working with Tebow over the last 2½ months.
On Tuesday morning, team owner Robert Kraft sat down with CBS’ This Morning and reveald:
“I love Tim Tebow and I very much wanted him on the team. If you look, four of the last five years we’ve only carried two quarterbacks, and you know when a cut-down time comes, you need those last three, four positions for depth.”
After cutting Tebow,the Patriots were left with only Ryan Mallett to fill in behind Tom Brady on its 53 players roster.
Tom Brady appeared on the Dennis & Callahan Show on WEEI Sports Radio in Boston and said of their on-field relationship:
“I enjoyed being around him very much. He’s a very talented football player, and to have a chance to spend a couple months with him and kind of become a friend of his was a great thing.
Brady then added:
“Yesterday we were talking about a lot of the quarterbacks that have been through our team over the years, and everyone brings a unique skill set and attitude to the table, and I really enjoyed being with him.”
Despite Tom Brady’s new friendship with Tebow cutting the QB was ultimately the right decision. Tebow went just 11-of-30 passing in three appearances while throwing an interception and two touchdown passes during the team’s preseason finale against the New York Giants.
After entering into the NFL’s waiver system, no team chose to pick up Tebow.
The Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) own Tim Tebow’s negotiating rights. Montreal’s coach Jim Popp told reports on Monday that the team would have to “change its entire system for Tim.”
Brady points out that the Patriots have released other players who have ended up back in the NFL.
“And you never know, I mean, maybe things in the NFL always, you know, who knows who could be back on the team this year?” Brady said. “But I wish him nothing but the best. He’s really a great person and a great player.”
Even Kraft says Tebow could return to the Pats.
“We never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “You’re one play away at all times from your whole game changing, and there’s no — I haven’t met a finer young man.”
Tim Tebow has remained positive as he jumps from one team to another. With less than stellar preseason performances, it doesn’t look good for the QB.