Peyton Manning: Future Hall of Famer Is Perfect Mentor for Tim Tebow

With Peyton Manning now officially a Denver Bronco, the "Free Tebow" movement has begun. But if the Broncos are smart, they won't free Tebow at all. Rather, they'll lock him up behind the bars known as Peyton Manning and let him develop into a real quarterback.

Despite Tebow's success as a winner last season, he still has a long way to go before he's a legitimate, consistent starting quarterback in this league. 

Tebow's legs make him a constant threat, but he'll have to complete more than 46.5 percent of his passes or, you know, consistently hit a target more than 10 yards down the field. When it comes down to it, Tebow just isn't good enough. He's mentally and athletically ready, and there's no question about his "inner" characteristics, but he still needs to learn how to truly play the position under center.

And who better to learn it from but Manning, a future Hall of Famer?

If Tebow were to spend a few years behind Manning—who is a natural coach to begin with—he could refine his throwing motion, improve his accuracy and become a better pure quarterback, all while staying out of the crucial limelight that is one day going to crush the superstar at this rate.

And if you think Manning wouldn't be willing to take the time to coach Tebow, think again (from CBS Sports).

"

Peyton Manning: "If Tim Tebow is here next year, I'll be the best teammate I can be to him."

— Eye on Football (@EyeOnNFL) March 20, 2012"

But if Tebow is traded—and it depends on where he lands—he'll get thrown right back into the lion's den and will get swallowed up as defenses learn how to prepare for his unique skill set. 

Obviously, the former Gator has no say in whether he stays or goes, but it's clear that being a backup behind one of the best quarterbacks ever would be a good thing for him.

Not only that, it would be beneficial for the Broncos too.

Denver has some serious confidence in Manning, as they inked him to a five-year deal, but he's anything but durable at this point. Whether it's because of his scary neck injury or if age suddenly creeps up on him, Manning won't be a guarantee to play 16 games every season for the next five years. In fact, it's safe to say that Manning will be near the bottom of the "quarterback durability" list.

That means it is important the Broncos have a backup quarterback with some experience, and Tebow is just that.

Furthermore, even if Manning stays healthy, his career will likely end before the 24-year-old Tebow even hits his prime.

Trading Tebow after acquiring their dream quarterback may seem like the smart move for the Broncos, but being realistic and realizing Peyton isn't indestructible is much smarter. 

So, while Free Tebow may make for a good trending topic on Twitter, it's a much better move for the quarterback to stay in Denver and develop under one of the best ever.