Why Tim Tebow Will Be out of Options If Peyton Manning Picks Broncos

With the crazy 2012 offseason in full swing, the latest out-of-control quarterback carousel may come to a halt without a place for Tim Tebow to pull off his late-game heroics. 

The Broncos are reportedly right in the thick of things in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, leaving a hot topic of conversation for sports fans: What would be next for Tebow?

John Elway doesn't trust his franchise to be led by Tebow, but he wouldn't be able to handle a backlash of the fanbase if he were to get rid of a fan favorite. That backlash would be silenced with a player of Manning's magnitude.

Denver would most likely trade Tebow right away if Manning were to arrive. He could put a lot of butts in seats due to his sensational work last season and the national attention he would bring.

However, many suitors have already filled their quarterback position. The Jacksonville Jaguars seemed like a good fit, but have since signed Chad Henne and now have plenty of talent comparable to Tebow's. 

The Seattle Seahawks have been searching for a game-changing QB, and Tebow certainly is one. However, they courted Matt Flynn Sunday and signed him to a three-year deal. 

The Miami Dolphins? Think again. Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman are implementing a West Coast offense which focuses on precision passing and great field vision. Neither of those even remotely fit Tebow's strengths.

Obviously, the Colts and Redskins have their franchise QB's via the NFL draft, and other teams searching for a man behind center might be more intrigued by Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. 

While there were options for Tebow merely days ago to move on and start elsewhere in the NFL, the tables have now turned. 

If anything, Tebow proved in his magical playoff run with Denver in 2011 that he doesn't belong as a tight end, or an H-back, or even a safety like some knuckleheads would propose.

A solid backup is a hot commodity in this league, and you can bet the Heisman Trophy winner would use that as motivation to earn back a starting spot.  

Head coach John Fox stuck with Tebow 100 percent, even after seemingly throwing more interceptions than completions in the opening three quarters. It's too bad for Tebow that Fox doesn't make the football decisions in Mile High. It'll be hard for him to find Fox's loyalty elsewhere.

It also cannot be forgotten that Denver's defense was incredible in 2011. Scoring 13 points won't get it done for teams not named the Broncos.    

Manning is a once-in-a-generation player, so the Broncos are wise to chase after him to give their team a chance to win a Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Tebow, Denver may be the best chance he'll ever have to becoming a solid starter in this league.

Skip Bayless, what's your take on this one?