Peyton Manning to Broncos: What Does This Mean for Tim Tebow?

According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, the Denver Broncos are the team for Peyton Manning:

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Manning to Broncos...more coming on Espn

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 19, 2012"

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So, what does this mean for Tim Tebow? Well, let's take a look at the two options and make a prediction at the end. 

Stay as Backup

With Manning coming in, it's obvious that Tebow will be the backup quarterback once again. However, it would not be surprising to see the Denver Broncos retain him, as he is proven to win games despite the horrendous completion percentage.

Also, what if Peyton Manning gets banged up, even the slightest bit? The Broncos will need that reliable and proven backup to get the offense rolling. Tebow provides the Denver offense with great versatility and the luxury of a read-option package.

In addition, depending on how long Manning plays in the Mile High City, the amount Tebow can learn and develop under Manning is astronomical. Tebow would quickly improve his mechanics, release, footwork and ability to read defenses pre-snap and adjust on the fly.

However, the rare opportunity to learn from two legends (the other obviously being John Elway) is really the only benefit for Tebow. 

Get Traded

The other and more likely option is that Tebow gets traded.

The Broncos would certainly get a decent trade package for him because Tebow's popularity alone will generate an increase in ticket sales, merchandise, TV ratings and all-around buzz for whichever franchise lands him.

Tebow's intangible qualities are his best attributes. As long as a team with the proper system is interested, the Broncos would maximize on dealing him.

There's no doubt that Tebow belongs in the NFL, but he still has a long way to go in terms of developing as a pure quarterback. So the Broncos can't get greedy either; otherwise they'll miss out on a trade that can be of enough significance to help them address their weakest areas. 

What Will Happen?

With a slew of solid quarterbacks that are more pocket-passers in the NFL draft, expect Denver to trade away Tim Tebow.

The Broncos can draft a guy like Michigan State's Kirk Cousins or Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden to learn under Manning and hit the ground running once they're given the opportunity to take over.

Include the trade package the Broncos can get for Tebow—regardless of exactly what it could entail—and Denver will have the opportunity to spruce up the defense even more and potentially add another promising receiver in the draft.

As great as it would be for Tebow to learn under Manning, it would be extremely surprising to see him remain in Denver. Still, let's keep a close eye on what can happen because the draft is only a little more than one month away.

John Rozum on Twitter.