Tim Tebow and 5 Players Who Lost the Most Stock After Peyton Manning Decision

On Tuesday afternoon, Peyton Manning became a member of the Denver Broncos, as we all saw on the NFL Network.

Now, we can focus our attention on the aftermath of Manning in the Mile High City, which involves players directly and indirectly affected.

So, here are those losing stock now that Manning is suiting up for the Orange Crush.

Tim Tebow

The easiest guy losing stock on the list: Tim Tebow.

After taking over the Broncos in 2011 when the team was 1-4, Tebow went on a magical run and helped lead Denver to a division championship and playoff win.

Unfortunately, Tebow's numbers such as a 46.5 completion percentage and 13 fumbles through 14 games played was anything but impressive, and he even had a lower completion percentage (40.4) in the postseason.

Now yes, it would have been nice to see him develop and start off a season at the helm, however, there's no comparing Tebow's accomplishments with those of Manning.

In the end of it all, expect Tebow to get traded. According to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, John Elway isn't ruling that out:

"

"

What would be the best chance for Broncos to win a championship. Says has to work through the process but trading Tebow "a possibility."

"

"— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 20, 2012"

"
"

"

So, keep Tebow on your radar if he ends up becoming available this offseason.

Lance Ball

Last season Lance Ball was the Broncos third-leading rusher with 402 yards on 96 attempts and he scored one touchdown.

All together, Ball compiled 550 total yards and averaged 6.75 yards per touch, so he can contribute well when given the opportunity.

Now, though, Ball will likely be limited even more as the offense will become a more one-back system. With Manning under center, veteran Willis McGahee as he did in 2011, will be the main ball-carrier.

In gaining just under 1,200 rushing yards last season, McGahee and Denver will become the now-traditional offense of passing to setup the run. Ball will be used as a third-down back, however, that will be his best chance to see carries or receptions.

Depending on how McGahee performs in 2012 will determine whether the Broncos retain Ball for the long run. Or, Denver may look to select a stud running back in the 2013 draft.

Anyway you slice it, though, Lance Ball isn't going to have as many contributing opportunities with Manning as the signal-caller.

Blaine Gabbert

Blaine Gabbert may have been drafted in Round 1 by the Jaguars last spring and started 14 games, but with the possibility of Tim Tebow being traded, Jacksonville is a viable option for business purposes.

After all, being in a small market with a popular player, exposure will certainly increase.

Gabbert, unfortunately, was thrust into a difficult situation, as the Jaguars don't have any standout receivers. Still, the man did throw 12 touchdowns to 11 picks and over 2,200 yards.

The fit with Tebow, however, is a difficult one, as the Jaguars did have the NFL's leading rusher in Maurice Jones-Drew last season. So, a scrambling quarterback really isn't needed.

And, even if the Jaguars do get Tebow, how will Tebow, Gabbert and Chad Henne all cope in coach Mike Mularkey's offense? From 2008-2011, Mularkey was the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator and developed Matt Ryan since Ryan's rookie season.

Therefore, is Tebow even the correct fit for the Jags? Not completely, but since Gabbert did struggle by comparison to other rookies, this would not be a surprising move.

Alex Smith

According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Alex Smith may not end up with San Francisco:

"

49ers CEO Jed York told CSNBayArea.com that the ball is still in Alex Smith's court when it comes to a new contract.

"We have a contract on the table and it's up to him," York said. "We'd like for him (Alex Smith) to be here, and we'll see where it goes."

 

"

The Peyton Manning saga has certainly had its fair share of twists, and the chance of Smith not returning to the Bay Area is arguably the most shocking.

When you consider that Smith led the 49ers to the NFC title and within one fumbled punt away from the Super Bowl, that's quite an accomplishment for a quarterback who's been under so many different offensive coordinators and head coaches.

Lest we forget, Smith will only be 28 years old before next season. And after a great year of 17 touchdowns to just five picks and over 3,100 yards, his return appeared inevitable until recently.

Now include other franchises that needed quarterbacks but have already moved on and Smith really doesn't have much of a choice—especially if he wants a shot to win a Super Bowl.

Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt began the 2011 season off great with 17 receptions, 289 yards and three touchdowns in just three games played.

His season was cut short due to injury and it's clear that Britt's absence affects the Tennessee passing game. Still, Matt Hasselbeck did get the job done with 18 touchdowns to 14 picks and over 3,500 yards with a 61.6 completion percentage.

And yes, Hasselbeck is a solid quarterback as he's been selected to three Pro Bowls, but the most recent was 2007. Hasselbeck is also older than Manning and will be turning 37 in September.

As for Britt, not only does he need to prove that he's back at 100 percent, but not having the opportunity to run routes for Manning puts a damper on the offseason. Hasselbeck is a well-established NFL quarterback, but after how long the Titans lasted in the race for Manning, missing out can't feel good.

Also, depending on how long Hasselbeck plays for, the only other Tennessee quarterback is Jake Locker. Not that Locker can't get the job done, but he has limited experience and didn't even see time until later in the year last season.

John Rozum on Twitter.