Tim Tebow was the hottest name in the NFL a year ago. Now, he can’t even find a job.
The Jets are expected to release Tebow next month after one disappointing season with the team. Many thought his hometown Jaguars would pick him up.
Guess again.
New Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell dropped a bombshell at his introductory press conference Thursday when asked about Tebow.
“As far as Tim goes, he is a member of the New York Jets. I can’t imagine a scenario where he would be a Jacksonville Jaguar,” Caldwell said.
A stunned silence fell over the media before a reporter shouted: “Say that again?”
“I can’t imagine a scenario where he would be a Jacksonville Jaguar,” Caldwell repeated.
“Even if he’s released?” a reporter asked.
“Even if he’s released,” Caldwell said.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan, who made a run at Tebow last year, said it was Caldwell’s call.
“It’s not my decision,” Khan said. “I want to do whatever to help this team win. Who the players are is really the general manager’s and coach’s — it’s a football-side operation decision. It’s really not my decision.”
What has changed for Khan in the 10 months since he wanted Tebow?
“I’m telling them to take a look at Tebow and they’re saying, ‘We’re going to go in a different direction,’ ” Khan said. “That’s the difference.”
Unbelievably, Tebow’s future in the NFL is now very much in question. He became a national sensation in 2011 when he became the Broncos starting quarterback and led several dramatic comebacks, including a memorable one over the Jets. The Broncos made the playoffs and Tebow led Denver to an overtime win over the Steelers in the first round.
The Broncos decided to sign Peyton Manning in March and the Jets and Jaguars were the only serious trade partners Denver could find for Tebow, who is scheduled to make $2.5 million next season and the Jets could save $1.5 million against cap by releasing him. The Broncos allowed Tebow to pick where he wanted to go and he picked the Jets, who traded a fourth-round draft pick for him.
Tebow’s one season with the Jets was a total mess with him barely playing and never getting a chance to start at quarterback despite starter Mark Sanchez’s struggles.
The Jets plan on releasing Tebow next month, according to multiple sources. ESPN reported last month it was a “virtual certainty” Tebow would land in Jacksonville. He grew up nearby and played high school football there. He became a legend just down the road at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy and two national championships. Tebow’s immense popularity there would help the team sell tickets.
If the Jaguars don’t want Tebow, it is fair to question whether any NFL team will take a shot on him. There has been speculation Tebow may have to play in the Canadian Football League next year.
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* Caldwell interviewed twice with the Jets before taking the Jaguars’ job.
Caldwell said Thursday Khan “made” Caldwell travel to New Jersey on Tuesday for the second interview to make sure he knew exactly what he wanted.
— With AP