Peyton Manning to the Denver Broncos: What This Means for Tim Tebow

According to sources on ESPN, Peyton Manning is close to officially declaring an end to his free agency and settling on the mile-high city as his new home. Naturally, thoughts turn to the incumbent quarterback, Tim Tebow, and what the future may hold for him.

It's exciting news for Broncos fans because Manning, if healthy, is a future Hall of Fame QB who can potentially lead Denver to the Super Bowl this season.

But on the other hand, Tebow is such a fan favorite that for some, the excitement is somewhat tempered by the questions surrounding the fate of Tebow.

I find it difficult to believe that even the most ardent of Tebow fans wouldn't pick Manning as their preferred choice at QB, given the accomplishments of the former Colts QB.

There are questions about how much rust he may have, and whether another hit to his neck area could spell disaster. But for now, we're focused on what this signing means to Tebow.

Those same sources that ESPN is using to indicate that Manning is all but signed with Denver also are saying that Tebow will be traded.

But that could be difficult and possibly a knee-jerk reaction. Instead, I am suggesting that there are three things John Elway and the Broncos could do. The first one is nothing—they could simply hang on to Tebow as an expensive backup in case Manning goes down again.

The second option is to deal Tebow to another team. That may be difficult, as there are many NFL front offices that view Tebow as somewhat of an enigma—more lucky than good at playing QB.

Given Tebow's mechanics and running ability, some team could view him as a fullback or tight end instead of a QB, which brings us to Denver's third option.

Why not let him do what he does best—run the ball. Take advantage of his ability to plow through opposing defensemen like a hot knife through butter while maintaining the ability to use him at QB if something happens to Manning?

Tebow is a winner, that much we know, so the ultimate decision could rest on his reaction to this whole thing. Perhaps Tebow wants out—maybe he'd rather go somewhere he could play QB. Maybe his ego is bruised, even though he won't publicly admit it.

Look, even someone as grounded and faithful as Tebow is human and while losing out to a QB as great as Manning is understandable, I'm sure that Tebow still has a strong desire to play.

As for teams that could have interest in Tebow, how about the 49ers? They were the team that lost out on Tebow and with their free agent QB, Alex Smith, apparently angered over the Manning flirtation, he may not return, leaving an opening for Tebow.

So which uniform will Tebow be wearing in 2012? Surprisingly, it could be Denver's colors. Mr, Elway, your move.