Tim Tebow: Why the Young QB Should Hope to Be Traded

It is not unheard of for players to demand trades. In fact, it has become a frequent occurrence in modern sports to have a team’s star player say that, simply put, he wants to play elsewhere.

Of course, some players are too nice to ask to be traded. One such player is Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

Sure, he most likely does not want to be traded. He could have a great future in Denver and become a Broncos legend.

A change of scenery, though, could benefit the second-year player. And there are at least five reasons why Tim Tebow should hope to be traded.

Potential Quarterback Controversy

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the B

The 2010 season began with a competition between quarterbacks Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tebow for the starting position. When the dust had settled and training camp had ended, Orton was named the starting quarterback with Tebow backing him up.

With Tebow starting the final three games of the season, though, a quarterback controversy would be sure to arise if the two of them were still in the Mile-High City at the start of training camp, an occurrence that, while far from likely, is a possibility.

If they were both to stick around, there is no certainty that Tebow would be taking the snaps in 2011.

The Bronco’s Talent

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DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates an interception with teammates late in the fourth quarter agains the Houston Texans at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver

While many people still think of the Broncos teams of the Shanahan era, the talent level the current Denver team possesses will not be confused with those teams.

The 2010 Broncos saw opposing teams rush for nearly a thousand yards more and score 15 more touchdowns than Denver. This performance led to a 4-12 record, putting Denver at the bottom of the AFC West.

While the passing game cannot be blamed for last season’s record, with a supporting cast like the Broncos have, whoever lines up at quarterback faces an uphill battle. Fighting them all along the way is something no Denver quarterback can ever escape.

John Elway’s Legacy

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ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 14: Denver Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway addresses the media during a press conference to announce John Fox as the next head coach at Dove Valley on January 14, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Fox was named

No one is more loved in Denver than John Elway. Thirteen years after he retired, he is still considered the face of the franchise, and why would he not be? He is, after all, one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Unfortunately, this means any quarterback who comes into Denver is instantly compared to Elway. The expectations are unrealistic and difficult to live up to.

Mix in his Heisman trophy and stellar college career, and you have a volatile set of expectations. If Tebow can live up to them, he will see the same fate as Elway, becoming a local legend. If not…well, I guess he can talk to Brian Griese to see what that gets you.

The AFC West

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Further adding to the difficulties the starting quarterback of the Broncos will face, the AFC West is a difficult division to say the least.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders are both teams on the rise, with the Chiefs winning the division last season. The San Diego Chargers fell slightly last season but still finished with nine wins.

Half of the Broncos’ schedule is made up of games against these teams, and 2010 left the Broncos labeled the weakest team in the division. Their 1-5 record was evidence to this fact.

If Tebow became the Broncos quarterback, there would be no rollover divisional games, increasing his chances of being labeled a goat.

The Broncos Uncertain Future

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos stands on the sideline during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2011 will bring a new head coach and a new team president. The 2011 Broncos will essentially be a whole new team. This is not the same team that drafted Tebow in the 2010 draft.

The biggest reason for Tebow to wish for a trade is without a doubt the uncertainty that comes with this change.

There is no way to know how Tebow will fit into the new offense, leaving everyone guessing. If Tebow wants stability, wants to be a certain franchise quarterback and wants to be plugged into a ready-built offense, Denver is simply not the best place for that.