Tim Tebow: Impending Departure from Jets Will Revive Quarterback's Career

After a tumultuous season of failed expectations and intense scrutiny, the New York Jets are in total disarray, and Tim Tebow is soon to be shipped out of town.

According to Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday, league sources confirm that the Jets plan to trade Tebow this offseason. If they can’t find a suitor for the embattled quarterback, New York will then release Tebow before free agency begins.

None of this comes as much of a surprise. Tebow was rarely given playing time in Rex Ryan’s offense, especially at the quarterback position. When Mark Sanchez failed to perform late in the season, Ryan benched Sanchez in favor of Greg McElroy.

The Jets traded for Tebow last offseason, but after inexplicable misuse of his talents, questions remain as to why New York wanted him in the first place.

Regardless of the reasons for his move to New York, he will soon be free of the situation, and free to find a team more willing to use his abilities. What that may mean, however, is a change of position.

The criticism of Tebow’s quarterbacking skills is well-documented. Many Tebow fans believe he is capable of leading an NFL offense with his arm, and some Denver Broncos fans may agree after watching him lead his team to a first-round win over the Steelers last season.

That said, Tebow is not an NFL quarterback. He simply does not have the throwing ability required of at the level of this pass-first football league. His fans may disagree, but there is a reason Tebow has already bounced around without a consistent starting job.

What Tebow’s imminent release means for the quarterback is a clean slate and a chance to rejuvenate his career in a new city at a new position. Tebow’s athleticism and toughness are two of the main reasons he was so highly touted coming out of Florida just a few years ago. If he is going to continue to get a chance in the NFL, he must consider utilizing his talents at another position.

Tebow has a cult following among NFL fans. He is a polarizing figure, and will continue to find a roster spot as long as it will put fans in the seats. But if Tebow hopes to see consistent playing time, he should consider a new path.

Given his popularity, there is no doubt he will find a new home this offseason. It won’t be with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as made evident by new general manager David Caldwell (via the Los Angeles Times), but Tebow will surely find a team desiring his services.

His departure from New York is a second (or third) chance for him to find success in the NFL. How he pursues that success remains to be seen, but there is no denying a change of scenery can only help Tebow’s career going forward.