National Football League
Reports: Jets considering Tebow deal
National Football League

Reports: Jets considering Tebow deal

Published Mar. 20, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

The New York Jets are considering a deal that would bring Tim Tebow to the Big Apple, according to multiple reports.

The Denver Broncos reportedly are looking to part ways with the unconventional quarterback, having signed four-time MVP Peyton Manning.

The Star-Ledger and the New York Daily News both reported Tuesday that sources close to the team say the Jets have a "real" interest in the 24-year-old quarterback, and are definitely "players in the Tebow race."

ESPN earlier reported that a handful of teams -- Jacksonville, Green Bay, Miami and the Jets -- have either held internal discussions or reached out to Denver about a deal for the Heisman Trophy winner.

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According to The Star-Ledger, Tebow is seen as a viable option in New York due to new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano's interest in utilizing Wildcat formations that mesh with Tebow's skill sets.

The addition of Tebow to the Jets' roster would give New York a fourth quarterback option behind Mark Sanchez, Drew Stanton and Greg McElroy.

FOX Sports reported Monday the Broncos had been quietly shopping Tebow since the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, trying to gauge interest around the league as they prepared to make a run for Manning.

Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway denied Tuesday having held formal talks with any team about Tebow.

According to a close friend of the polarizing NFL star, Tebow prefers his next destination to be in Florida, where he came to fame playing for the Gators.

"Brad and I just had dinner with Tim last week and I don't think this comes as a shock or surprise to him that Manning was actually going to go there," Monica Culpepper, the wife of former NFL and Florida Gators player Brad Culpepper, told 970 WFLA radio in Tampa Tuesday.

"And in all honesty, Tim said, 'I miss home. I miss the South. And hopefully I'll land somewhere in Florida.'"

The Jaguars are seen as a natural fit for the Jacksonville native and former Gators star, but the team has two quarterbacks in veteran Chad Henne and last year's 10th overall pick, Blaine Gabbert.

But the acquisition of the 24-year-old Tebow would surely energize a franchise that has struggled with attendance in recent years.

Tebow led the Broncos on an improbable run to the AFC West title and a playoff victory last season, but he is also a quarterback whose throwing ability is still a work in progress.

Neither Tebow nor his agent have commented since news broke of the Broncos' imminent signing of Manning.
 

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