2012 NFL Free Agents: Free Agent QBs That Could Derail the Tebow Train

Believe it or not, there is quarterback news in the National Football League Thursday that doesn't center around a certain former Indianapolis Colts standout.

The Denver Post reports that not only are the Broncos looking to add a signal-caller in free agency or the draft, but there are a number of options that Denver is considering that could conceivably send much of the Broncos fanbase into a frenzy by potentially challenging or even supplanting fan-favorite Tim Tebow for the starting job under center in the Mile High City.

Part of the genesis of this report is based, much like 90 percent of NFL news right now, by the Colts' decision to part ways with quarterback Peyton Manning. While the Post's Mike Klis doesn't see the Broncos making a big push for the four-time NFL MVP, he does believe that Denver's interest in at least 'kicking the tires" where Manning is concerned shows that the Broncos are looking for more than just a backup for Tebow.

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Let's get serious about this. Once all the bids come in and the recruiting pitches are made, the Broncos probably will have as much chance at signing free-agent Peyton Manning as Tim Tebow does of starting an interview without thanking the Lord.

With or without Manning, the Broncos will be signing a veteran quarterback in the days after the free-agent market opens Tuesday, [and] the Broncos will be signing a free agent who can legitimately challenge Tebow for the starting quarterback position."

The third-year pro was one of the biggest storylines of the 2011 season as he led the Broncos to comeback win after comeback win en route to a surprising AFC West crown.

But Tim Tebow also failed to complete half his passes a year ago, possesses a throwing motion that inspires more cringes than a Rosie O' Donnell sex tape and has received quite possibly the most lukewarm "vote of confidence" from Broncos brass in the history of a term that has historically been the kiss of death for players and coaches, including this glowing endorsement from John Elway.

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I think when I look at Tim and I look at our offense, we can do it with either one. Whether it be a guy like Tim, or if it's more of a drop-back-type guy, we feel like either one is going to be able to fit.

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Outside of Manning, the free-agent class of quarterbacks as of today doesn't inspire any more awe than Tim Tebow's arm does, but there will be players available who both have starting experience and could push Tebow for the starting job in Denver, given that they may be able to throw a 15-yard pass that doesn't travel 35 yards.

The Miami Dolphins have been linked to every "big-name" quarterback in free agency and the draft that you can think of, and while it's unsure at this point who will start the season at quarterback for the Dolphins, it's a pretty good bet that it won't be 2011 opening day starter Chad Henne.

While the four-year veteran isn't going to be confused with John Elway anytime soon, he has shown some flashes when afforded the opportunity to play, including lighting up the New England Patriots for more than 400 yards in a game last season.

There's also Jason Campbell of the Oakland Raiders, who appeared to finally be turning the corner in 2011 after a disappointing six-year career spent with innumerable offensive coordinators. A broken collarbone ended his season prematurely and inspired the trade that both brought Carson Palmer to the Bay Area, all but certainly ending Campbell's tenure there.

Neither of those quarterbacks screams Pro Bowl, and in a perfect world I'm sure that the Broncos would just as soon see Tim Tebow's offseason workouts pay off big time, allowing them to happily keep arguably the team's most popular player in the starting lineup.

If nothing else, though,  Klis' report would seem to reinforce the notion that while much of the nation contracted "Tebow Fever" last year, the Denver front office is still stuck squarely on 98.6.