The Last Thing Denver Should Do Is Trade Tim Tebow

In a shocking turn of events, Peyton Manning has decided to negotiate a contract with the Denver Broncos.

Almost overnight, the Broncos could upgrade their Honda Civic to a Lamborghini.

Manning is the elite quarterback that the Broncos have needed since John Elway hung up his cleats in 1999.  Denver hasn't been the same team since Elway decided to call it quits, only making the playoffs in five out of the 13 NFL seasons since his retirement.

While Manning has restored the hopes of Broncos fans everywhere with his decision to take his talents to Denver, it's not quite time to just assume that Peyton Manning is going to be able to take Denver to the promised land by himself.

Unfortunately Denver's front office thinks he can do just that, as ESPN is reporting that Denver is planning on trading the quarterback that led their team to an appearance in the AFC Divisional playoffs last season.

While the Broncos seem very open about their intentions to move quarterback Tim Tebow, that doesn't mean they are making the right decision.

If the Broncos were to trade away Tim Tebow before 2012, they'd be making one of the worst moves in the history of their storied franchise.

Here's why.

Manning is One Sack Away From Retirement

 Peyton Manning's health is a serious situation.

While it's great that he's back in the ranks of the NFL, there's no doubt that with the physicality of the game, Manning's future rests in Denver's ability to protect him.

In 2011, the Broncos gave up the ninth most sacks in the NFL, with 42.  If Manning gets sacked 42 times next year, his future with the Broncos could seriously be in doubt.

Since Manning's neck is a serious liability, it would be wise for Denver to have a backup plan in case he doesn't make it through the season.

While Tebow is their current backup plan, it doesn't seem that he will be in that position for too long. Tebow isn't the most efficient or accurate quarterback, but he's proven that he can win games.

That's something the Broncos can utilize when combined with Manning's leadership and tutelage.

If the Broncos keep Tebow, he can learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game. That's just the opportunity that Tebow needs to thrive as a quarterback in the NFL.

Manning is a Temporary Solution for Denver

 While the 35-year-old Manning might be the current solution for the Broncos' quarterback problem, there's no doubt he only has three or four years left in his NFL career.

Tebow is the kind of versatile athlete that can make a difference no matter where he's at on the field, but for the Broncos, having him on the bench for a year or two behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, is going to make him that much more valuable to their franchise.

While Tebow might be "useless" for the next year or two while he rides the bench, he will have the time he needs to develop. More importantly, he will get the education and veteran leadership he needs to become a true quarterback in the NFL.

If the Broncos can manage to hold on to Tebow and give him time to develop under Manning, the future will be brighter in Denver. The Broncos will have both a current plan for success and a plan to build upon for the future.

Tebow Could Convert to a "Slash" Role

If the Broncos make the right choice of keeping Tebow, Denver would be wise to convert him into a "slash" style player. They could utilize him in red-zone situations, where he could be brought in to run the option to keep defenses on their heels.

While Tebow continues to develop as a quarterback behind Manning, there's no doubt that Denver could find ways to keep him productive in their offense by utilizing his strengths.

If the Broncos are truly thinking long-term, they will keep Tebow on the roster because he's the kind of raw talent that can develop into an elite quarterback in the NFL.

Sure, Tebow isn't the current answer for the Broncos. Peyton Manning is.

That doesn't mean that Tebow can't be an integral piece of the future for the Broncos as they prepare to succeed right now with Manning.