National Football League

Where in the NFL world could Tebow go?

Published Mar. 21, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

One team’s trash could be another team’s Tebow-mania.

The Denver Broncos front office never fully embraced the Tim Tebow phenomenon. Vice president of football operations John Elway thought he could find a better quarterback, and then did precisely that, by landing free-agent megastar Peyton Manning. Now, it’s Tebow’s time to go.

Denver’s asking price for the former first-round draft choice will be low, reportedly a mid-to-late-round pick. But the market for Tebow as a starter looks grim. Whoever acquires Tebow, a 46.5 percent passer, will have to adjust the offense to his sprint-option playing style. There is also Tebow’s popularity to consider. Combine his unique talents with the marketing dollars and cents involved, and there will be some interested parties. Here they are, in order of probability.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Why it would work: He’s a local kid and a former Heisman winner from the University of Florida. If you can’t sell Tebow to that town, it’s time to hire a new marketing department. New coach Mike Mularkey has no real ties to incumbent starter Blaine Gabbert, either. Plus the new owner, Shahid Khan, says he’s interested.

Why it wouldn’t: Mularkey may have no interest in an NFL version of stunt casting, preferring instead to rescue the budding career of Gabbert. The coach enjoyed the drop-back stylings of Matt Ryan while serving as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons for years. Still, as a business decision, Tebow would make sense.

Miami Dolphins

Why it would work: The franchise is reeling from the perception that nobody wants to play there, and trading for a south Florida fan-favorite would certainly be a buzz-worthy move. Tebow has also expressed interest in returning to Florida, a close friend told a Tampa radio station yesterday. The team’s current quarterbacks, David Garrard and Matt Moore, don’t blow anyone away, either.

Why it wouldn’t: According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins say they are not interested. Plus, like Mularkey, Miami’s new coach, Joe Philbin, is an ex-offensive coordinator accustomed to relying on an accurate quarterback.

Green Bay Packers

Why it would work: With the reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers in charge, Tebow would have time to develop as a passer in a backup role while being sprinkled into the offense next year on wildcat-type plays. Think of him like a utility player. For one or two seasons, he might have a lot of fun in that role on a winner.

Why it wouldn’t: Tebow’s fame gives him a platform to discuss his religious beliefs and charitable work. As a backup in small-market Green Bay, that star wattage would fade a great deal. As long as Rodgers is in the picture, Tebow has no shot to become the man.

Kansas City Chiefs

Why it would work: Tebow stays in the AFC West, and might even get a chance to start at some point. Behind the Chiefs new right tackle, Eric Winston, he could run plenty of sneaks near the end zone, and throw deep to Dwayne Bowe. K.C. also has the makings of a good defense, so Tebow would not need to do it all.

Why it wouldn’t: Matt Cassel is a solid starter, so there’s no real push for an upgrade at that position unless Manning was available (he wasn’t … for them). Even if Tebow was named starter, he’d have to face his old team twice next season.

New England Patriots

Why it would work: Remember that Bill Belichick turned backup receiver Julian Edelman, a college quarterback, into a slot cornerback last season. Imagine what he could do with the raw, athletic clay that is Tebow. Both Belichick and Tom Brady seem to have a genuine respect for the young quarterback as well.

Why it won’t: It’s not exactly a need position for the Pats. He’ll obviously never be a starter with Brady around, and the team already has Ryan Mallett as the backup. Tebow might not be comfortable playing an H-back role full-time there.

Buffalo Bills

Why it would work: Coach Chan Gailey is a spread guy with some option alterations, which is perfect for Tebow. Even with Ryan Fitzpatrick installed as the (well-compensated) starter, he could be a change-of-pace QB in the Bills attack. Some Tebow magic and a potentially destructive defense could make Buffalo a winner.

Why it wouldn’t work: Another potential quarterback controversy. A few losses will have Bills fans calling for Tebow to start. Belichick’s Pats rule the AFC East as well, and they have a good track record against Tebow, beating him twice last season.

New York Jets

Why it would work: Jets owner Woody Johnson wants to steal some of the back-page thunder from the world champion Giants, and nabbing Tebow would definitely do it. According to a Newark Star-Ledger report, Gang Green has “real” interest in bringing Tebow in. He would be a nice wildcat option for new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.

Why it wouldn’t: Welcome to distraction-land, Timmy. Every day there’s a new fire to put out, and endless media asking you about it. Plus the Jets have one of the most toxic locker rooms in the NFL, and his goody-goody vibe may not work there.

San Francisco 49ers

Why it would work: Now that Alex Smith has re-signed, it’s less likely Tebow will spend his Sundays throwing 40-yard bombs to Randy Moss, and allowing that gritty defense to win games for him. This is another Green Bay scenario, where he would serve as a specialty player in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.

Why it wouldn’t: Hasn’t Smith suffered enough already? All it would take is a two-game losing streak for fans to start chanting Tebow’s name next year. Moss would not take kindly to Tebow overthrowing him on deep balls, and especially routine routes. Don’t forget the 49ers have Colin Kaepernick waiting to take the reins, too.