Despite the fact that no one in the league has stepped up to the plate or shown any interest in Tim Tebow, the New York Jets are still holding out hope that they can find a deal for him before or after the NFL draft at the end of April.
According to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport said Tuesday that the Jets are trying to hang on to Tebow through voluntary workouts, which the quarterback is planning to attend, in the hopes of getting someone to give up something for the quarterback. The Jets originally acquired him for a draft pick and money and since they literally have no idea how to use him, they want something back in return for their investment if they can get it. Playing in the same stadium as the Giants likely sparked the deal in the first place because of the team's big brother complex and now they are holding the bag.
The team has been trying to work out a deal for Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers as well and that has been hung up on draft picks. There was a chance that Tebow could have been involved in that deal, but that is likely out now as the team brought back Dan Orlovsky on a contract. Orlovsky has been in the league nine years and he played in one game last season for Josh Freeman.
The team also restructured Eric Wright's deal, as the cornerback previously signed with the Buccaneers in 2012 and started 10 games at one point before getting injured and suspended for violating the NFL's PES policy. His new deal may help clear the way for the Revis trade.
Sources told NFL.com that it is "highly unlikely" that Tebow will be with the team during training camp and that the voluntary workouts may be the last thing he does as a Jet. The team had no idea what to do with Tebow and he gained just 102 yards rushing and 39 yards through the air last season.
Tebow will likely be released, which gives him the chance to sign with any team and two interesting options are the Eagles and the Browns. New Cleveland head coach Rob Chudzinski worked wonders with Cam Newton and he could help Tebow develop into a better quarterback. The Eagles and Chip Kelly could also be interesting, as the new coach knows how to tinker on offense and he could use Tebow in ways that no one else though to.
The quarterback has had a rough go of it the past year, but everyone remembers his time in Denver leading the team to the playoffs and a division title as well as an exciting win over the Steelers. All the former Heisman winner needs is a chance.
