NEW ORLEANS — The Jets plan on holding on to quarterback Tim Tebow a little longer, according to a report.
ESPN reported the Jets will not release Tebow before the new league year begins on March 12 in hopes they can trade him. It is a long shot to believe they can get even a late-round draft pick for the controversial backup quarterback, who barely played for the Jets in 2012.
March 12 is the first day teams can make trades and when the free-agent signing period begins. The Jets have been expected to cut ties with Tebow since late in the season, when it became clear both sides were unhappy with him being a Jet.
There has been speculation no team in the NFL will take a shot on Tebow, who helped the Broncos win the AFC West in 2011.
One NFL general manager told ESPN: “I think his career is over without playing another position.”
Tebow’s hometown Jaguars were viewed as the likely landing spot, but new general manager Dave Caldwell squashed any thought of that at his introductory press conference.
Tebow is scheduled to make $2.5 million in 2013. By releasing him, the Jets will save $1.5 million against the salary cap.