NFL Free Agency 2012: Tim Tebow to the Jets vs. Peyton Manning to the Broncos

Turn on the hype machine—to whatever the highest setting is.

Now, I happen to be a believer that Peyton Manning deserves any amount of money thrown at him from any team in the NFL. Therefore, I embrace the weeks upon weeks of hype around the great quarterback.

What will force me to watch the swayed political news rather than SportsCenter, however, is Tim Tebow in New York. I refuse to be surrounded by crazed Tebow fans yet again. No offense to any "Tebowans" out there reading this.

What started this entire sequence was the decision of John Elway to acquire Manning at any cost. I can't say I couldn't see it coming, Elway practically announced his search for a quarterback by naming Tebow the starter for training camp. Quite an insult considering he led Denver to a playoff win. 

Peyton, a 36 year old with half a neck, received a $96 million contract making him a Denver Bronco until the age of 41. Keep in mind, most of the greats at Manning's position were 38 or younger when retiring—including John Elway. Just some food for thought.

The screaming hype of Peyton Manning has become more of a whisper since the news of Tim Tebow, Hines Ward and the bounty sentencing. Now, with the New York Jets finding their way into the heart of the media world once again, be prepared for at least one Tim Tebow conversation each day until the Patriots win the Super Bowl next year. Yes, I just said that.

The intriguing part is what Mark Sanchez had to say after Manning became a Bronco.

""I think Peyton is going to do great, and I think Tim is going to do great no matter what happens," Sanchez said on Fox Sports' "The Petros & Money Show." "He can learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play or he moves on somewhere else and uses his skills at another ball club. He definitely has talent. He knows how to win. He knows how to impact players, so both guys are really in a good situation. It'll work out for both of them.""

I wonder how good of a situation Sanchez thinks Tebow is in now, competing for his spot on the roster. Granted, Tebow will most likely be used in the Wildcat offense deployed by Tony Sparano, but we all have come to learn the competitive nature of Tim, and he may not be satisfied with just a contributing role.

So now, I ask of the readers, to engage in intellectual debate. I want to see where the loyal sports fans stand. Does Tebow pose a threat to Mark Sanchez? Is Peyton destined to make Elway regret his decisions? Who will be the talk of the NFL come Week 1? Feel free to debate me, other commenters, or yourselves—just keep it classy folks.

My Stance:

Considering the New York Jets received one of the most over-hyped players in the history of sports, and only gave up a fourth- and sixth-round pick, it seems like a win for the Jets. Just what Rex Ryan wants, more cameras surrounding his under performing team—but if you ask me, it is exactly what this franchise didn't need. Realistically, Tebow does not give the Jets much more of a chance at winning, it only gives more reason for the MetLife Stadium to be flooded with media and scrutiny.

Contrary to what many believe, the Denver Broncos' incredible run to the playoffs was due to their defense—not Tebow. Adding Peyton Manning may just give this talented young team what it needs to be a real contender rather than pretender. On one condition—Manning stays healthy. I try to fast-forward to the middle of the season, and all I see is images of Peyton Manning stepping up in the pocket and taking a hit to his blind side. The rest of the season is just images of Elway with his face in his hands and his pockets empty.

I have all the respect in the world for Peyton Manning, even though I may have a slight man-crush on Tom Brady. I wish Peyton the best, but taking No. 18 out of retirement in Denver and spending so much guaranteed money without an injury safety net, just paves the way for a major disappointment.

I see both sides losing in this bizarre off season.