Peyton Manning: Why Former Colts Star Is Only QB Who Can Replace Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is no Peyton Manning.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback will be a free agent according to Chris Mortenson of ESPN.

Tebow was the fan favorite going into the Broncos’ 2011 season to be the starting quarterback. After a 1-4 start to the season, the fans got their wish as Denver replaced starter Kyle Orton with Tebow.

The quarterback change sparked the entire team, as the Tebow-led Broncos won the AFC West. In the AFC Wild Card Game, Tebow threw an overtime touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. That throw epitomized Tebow's season of miracles and set him up to be the Broncos starter next season.

Through all the miracles and Marion Barber fumbles, Tebow did not show any improvements throughout the season. He had a completion percentage of just 46.5 percent, which was worst among quarterbacks last season. The only reason he was given a pass was the victories.

The quarterback position is the only position in the NFL that focuses on the win/loss record. Tebow has proven he can win games against lower-tier teams. When the Tebow-led Broncos played the New England Patriots, he struggled to keep up with the Patriots offense. Until he shows he can win shootout gamed with the best quarterbacks in the league, it will be hard to consider Tebow a quality quarterback.

Manning is not only a great winner, but he also is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Even after missing an entire season due to injury, Manning will still be considered a huge pickup by any team, especially the Broncos.

Since Tebow has a huge fanbase in Denver and across the country, any quarterback who replaces Tebow would not sit well with the fans. Manning, however, is the only quarterback available that Bronco fans and, more importantly, Tebow fans will be happy with.

There is no downside to signing the former Colts star.

He would only be in Denver for a few years before he retires. If Tebow can sit on the bench and learn from one the greatest quarterbacks of all time, it will improve his game.

This situation could be compared to the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers situation back in 2007. Another benefit for the Broncos would be that Manning is willing to help Tebow become a better quarterback if given the chance.

The Broncos have the cap room to sign Manning—they have $50 million in cap space—and have the ability to sign the legend to a deal that fits Manning’s demands. Coming off a division title and a playoff victory, the Broncos front office has to know that Manning can take them to the next level immediately.

The fanbase is loyal to Tebow; there is no question about that. However, can the fanbase question benching Tebow for Manning for a few years?