NFL Trade Rumors: Would John Elway Consider Dealing Tim Tebow?

Is Tim Tebow really on his way out of Denver?

Well, if new Broncos executive vice president John Elway has his way, Tebow could have very well played his last game in a Denver uniform.

What was once so promising in the Mile High City may have already ended before it even truly started.

Known as the best quarterback in team history, Elway will be overseeing general manager Brian Xanders this upcoming season, where he could potentially persuade Broncos ownership and even new head coach John Fox to get Tebow out of Denver.

So if Tebow isn't under center next season, what quarterback will he turn to?

Elway and Fox have already named six-year veteran Kyle Orton as the team's starting quarterback in 2011, which in fact started the trade talk that surrounded the rookie quarterback.

Orton led the Broncos to a 3-10 record in his 13 starts last season, completing 58.8 percent of his passes and throwing for 3,653 yards while adding 20 TDs and nine INTs along the way.

His final two games during 2010, though, were absolutely embarrassing. The 28-year-old managed to throw for only 283 yards his final two games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, throwing no TDs, three INTs and completing just 40 percent of his passes.

Orton was benched the final three games of the season, leading Tebow to get his first NFL start of his career. The rookie did not disappoint given an opportunity, throwing for a total of 651 yards while adding four TDs and three INTs in his three starts.

What made Tebow even more exciting to watch as a starter was his ability to run the football. In 31 rushing attempts, the former first-round pick ran for 199 yards, adding three TDs on the ground as well. His big highlight being a 40-yard touchdown run against the Oakland Raiders in his first start with the team.

So why give up on the potential cover boy and face of the franchise now?

This question could be answered in many ways, but what it comes down to is Elway. Being the great Hall of Fame quarterback he was, Elway knows the kind of stature and overall will it takes to be a quarterback in the NFL. Sure we all know Tebow had the biggest will and determination to win during his time at Florida, but will Elway see the same kind of mentality in him for years to come in the NFL?

Now that no one is for certain. It could shake out soon enough though, as Tebow could potentially be dealt during the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

If Tebow officially hits the trading block, teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and even the Cincinnati Bengals could all be interested in landing the former Heisman Trophy winner.

A move like this, though, could be potentially dangerous for a young rebuilding team like Denver. If the Broncos decide to move Tebow, they must move forward and not two steps backwards in the process.

Many Denver fans would agree they need a young franchise quarterback that could help them win in the near future. Right now, Tebow is that guy, but fans must wonder if Elway will end up thinking the same way they do come next season.