Tim Tebow, Where Will He Go? New England Patriots Maybe

Tim Tebow is a worldwide phenomenon, a elite-level talent and a mediocre quarterback—at best. Now that Peyton Manning is a Bronco, the next question that arises is what to do with Tebow.

In a perfect world, Tebow would sit quietly in the background and watch Peyton Manning for a few seasons. He would learn a lot, ultimately become a much better quarterback, and in a handful of seasons he would be the legitimate successor to the quarterback position for the Denver Broncos. 

However, Tebow does not live in a perfect world. He lives in a world that he created, where he must be the focus of the team. His ego is too big to sit back and watch, even if one of the greatest of all time is ahead of him. 

The Broncos know well the amount of interest Tebow draws.  I am sure one of the agreements in place with Peyton Manning and the Broncos is that Tebow is out, immediately. There is no way John Fox, John Elway or Peyton Manning want to deal with the headache of having No. 15 on the bench. 

So, now that his Bronco days are over, where does Timmy Tebow go?

Jacksonville Jaguars

Blaine Gabbert was a high first-round pick last year, but I don't think anybody in Jacksonville—or anywhere else for that matter—thinks that he is the long-term answer at the quarterback position. 

Had Chad Henne not signed with the team last week, this would almost be a no-brainer. Tim Tebow is from the Jacksonville area and has a god-like status due to his cult of personality and his wins at the University of Florida. 

If the Jags bring Tebow in, he will sell tons of jerseys, sell out stadiums and put Jacksonville on national television many times. Basically, he will be their meal ticket. Not to say they will be good, but at least they will make money. With a new owner, that is a huge step up from their current place. 

So, how does Tebow actually get to the Jaguars?

First, the Broncos have to be willing to trade for one of their QBs. In fact, I think this works for everyone. Chad Henne gets sent off to Denver to backup Manning, along with a fourth or fifth-round pick.

Tebow and Gabbert battle it out to be the starter (and Tebow wins regardless of how he performs in preseason). 

Likelihood: 35 percent

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have had terrible luck with coaches and quarterbacks in the past few years. They are a downtrodden team looking for anything positive to happen to them. Maybe a little Tebow-luck will befall them. 

To be honest, I don't think this is a wise move for the Dolphins, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

I'm sure that new head coach Joe Philbin doesn't like this scenario too much either. He would lose control of his offense before he even gets his first start.

However, owner Stephen Ross needs to have a game changer in Miami, and Tebow surely is that. 

With Matt Moore entrenched as the starting quarterback for now, it seems like a perfect place for Tebow to come in and share duties. Of course, most NFL teams are averse to sharing the position of QB, but with an open mind, I think Moore and Tebow would be a great tandem.

If Tebow goes to the Dolphins, I am sure they won't be sharing the position. One of them will win out and the other will no doubt come in soon after the other messes up. 

Likelihood: 20 percent

New England Patriots

Are you surprised by this team being on the list? Don't, its actually is a pretty reasonable assumption. In fact, I think this is the best landing spot for Tim Tebow.  

Just a few years back, Josh McDaniels took a flier on Tebow and drafted him in the first round. Tebow and McDaniels like each other.

Now, imagine that Bill Belichick asks Tebow to come and be an integral part of his football team, but not play quarterback. I am sure that Tebow respects Belichick enough that he would seriously consider his offer. 

Now, we have McDaniels and Belichick and the chance to win Super Bowls. Of course, Tebow wants to play quarterback, but if he has a chance to play for two guys he respects and trusts and if they see him as being an integral part of the team, then how could he really resist?

Add to that the fact that Belichick is a genius with his draft picks and cunning moves. You know he is seriously considering this already. 

So, how do the Patriots get Tebow? They offer one of their many draft picks to the Broncos in exchange for a great running back/slot receiver/full back.

Just think, if Tebow was being drafted as a non-QB today, he'd be a first-round pick. Belichick knows this, and would gladly trade a 4 or 5 for his talents. 

Likelihood: 15 percent

Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy is kind of the quarterback of the future, at least until another quarterback comes around. We know that much about Cleveland.

With no chance of getting Luck, RG3, Peyton Manning or any other top-level prospect, the Browns are left thinking about McCoy or Ryan Tannehill as their future QB. 

Some people think Tannehill is a good prospect, but I don't think the Browns can justify using such a high draft pick on a quarterback of his caliber. 

Like the Miami Dolphins, the Browns could benefit from a dual-quarterback system. With McCoy you get an accurate west-coast quarterback. With Tebow you get a running threat and the occasional chance to go deep when the defense cheats and sticks too many players in the box (as shown against Pittsburgh in the playoffs).

Mike Holmgren can be creative, and I am sure he sees the value in Tebow. The question for him (and every other coach) is, is Tebow worth the hassle that he brings along? The press, the constant quarterback debate and the possible locker-room split. Tebow has as big of an ego as any player in sports, and he won't do well sitting on the bench or sharing the spotlight.

Is he really an upgrade from McCoy? 

Likelihood: 10 percent

Baltimore Ravens

This is a bit of a long shot and I am going out on a limb with this one, but I think the Ravens would be a great fit for Tim Tebow. For one, they are a hard-nosed team who wants to ground and pound the ball. Tim Tebow is like Ray Lewis on the opposite side of the field. 

Of course, the Ravens have Joe Flacco, and he is their starting quarterback. So, this would only work if the Ravens and Tebow can agree that his is only a change of pace player. Meaning he would come in in special packages, or as a third-down back or receiver. 

I am not sold that Tebow can accept this position, but like the Patriots with the infrastructure already in place, if Tebow was to come to the Ravens, he would not rule the locker room. He would have to concede to too many players to have an ego. He would have to accept his role. With a strong coach like John Harbaugh, he might just accept this. 

Likelihood: Five percent

Other Teams

There are other teams in place that may think that Tebow can come in and help them. Some will think of him as a backup quarterback and others as a playmaker. 

San Francisco 49ers: Like the Dolphins and Browns, Tebow can complement Alex Smith (figuring he signs the contract). Jim Harbaugh likes mobile quarterbacks (Colin Kaepernick) and Tebow definitely fits that mold.

Buffalo Bills: Despite the Ryan Fitzpatrick signing last year, the Bills are not sold on him as their future QB. If they bring Tebow in, it will create a bit of a controversy, but they will be well-prepared with an option should Fitzpatrick play more like he did at the end of the year.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs picked up Kyle Orton from the Broncos last year when he was cut, now it's Tebow who is unwanted in Denver. The Chiefs just signed Brady Quinn as well, another Denver backup. With the Quinn signing, it doesn't seem that the Chiefs would need another QB, but if Romeo Crennel likes his skill set, who knows?

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have a young quarterback in Christian Ponder. If they bring Tebow in, it will cause quite the ruckus in Minnesota. I am not sure it's a good move, but they like the mobility of a Joe Webb, and Tebow could fit into that mold as well. 

Philadelphia Eagles: With Mike Vick entrenched as the starter and leader of the team, Tebow would have to accept a backup role. This could be long-term thinking if they think that Vick only has another year or two of playing at an elite level. It could be a wise move for the offense if they think they can convince Tebow to give up his dreams of playing QB and move into a slash-type weapon.