Fantasy Football 2012: Tim Tebow's Post-Trade Prospects with Jets

I could understand the rationale behind the New York Jets trading for Tim Tebow, if the club was coming off a 1-15 meltdown from the Rich Kotite era, or if they needed a short-term quarterback to replace the injured starter (like Ray Lucas/Rick Mirer for Vinny Testaverde, circa 1999). But none of those scenarios apply to one of the most baffling and, frankly, illogical deals of the last 30 years—perhaps longer.

Seriously, what right-minded franchise purposely manufactures a quarterback controversy (just days after signing Mark Sanchez to a lucrative contract extension) by dealing for someone who completed nine or fewer passes in four full games last year? Name me another NFL executive, besides Mike Tannenbaum (and maybe Jaguars owner Shahid Khan), who willingly picks up a $2.53 million post-trade payment on a player with second- or third-string talent.

But enough about how Drew Stanton deserves to be the Jets' real backup. I suddenly have great empathy for Sanchez (9,209 career yards). In his first two seasons, he guided the Jets to consecutive AFC title-game berths; and in Year 3, Sanchez racked up a franchise-best 32 total touchdowns—thus, justifying last week's pay raise. And yet, he'll have to put on a brave face when confronted by distracting questions of how he'll be able to perform his job with Tebow waiting in the wings.

(*Cue deep sigh)

Regarding the fantasy realm...before Peyton Manning signed with the Broncos, I had Tebow ranked No. 28 among all starting fantasy QBs (ahead of Sam Bradford/Christian Ponder, and behind Andrew Luck/Colt McCoy). But as a Jet, Tebow's fantasy value takes a serious hit. From a draft-slot perspective, Tebow might have been a Round 14/15 pick in the most optimistic of August drafts; but now, barring a preseason injury to Sanchez, Tebow is a non-draftable commodity in 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-team leagues.

With Denver, Tebow was a decent Sunday bet for 180-210 total yards and 1.4 touchdowns. As Sanchez's backup, he's no more valuable than Rex Grossman, Matt Hasselbeck, Tarvaris Jackson, Chad Henne, Joe Webb, John Skelton, Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn—some of the NFL's most prominent clipboard holders for 2012.

With New York, Tebow could be an H-back or Wildcat quarterback—essentially the same role Brad Smith once had with the Jets (he returned kicks, too). Bottom line: Tebow should eclipse Smith's best triple-threat season (299 rushing yards, 53 receiving, 27 passing, one TD in 2009)...but he's still looking at a gloomy forecast for the fall.

At best, it'll be painful to watch.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.