Tim Tebow will be playing more than quarterback for the Jets, according to a report.
ESPN reported Tebow will also be used as an H-back, running back and a fullback on offense in addition to being the Wildcat quarterback, citing unnamed sources. This would be a change for Tebow, who said several times while with the Broncos that he was a quarterback and did not want to play another position.
Yesterday was Tebow’s first time to work out with his new teammates as the team’s offseason program began. He did not get to do much because the first two weeks of the program consist of mainly weight training. Only the strength coaches are permitted to work with players on the field.
Tebow was not one of the players selected by the team to speak with reporters on a conference call, so he could not answer questions about his first day. A few of his new teammates spoke about the dynamic that he brings as Mark Sanchez’s backup, and the possible quarterback controversy.
“Kris [O’Dowd] is competing for my job,” center Nick Mangold said. “Unfortunately, Kris doesn’t have the following Tim does, but it’s the same dynamic.”
Um, OK. Mangold said he’s not worried about Tebow’s arrival affecting Sanchez.
“If Mark has been wishy washy with his role and his ability, I could see [issues] creeping in,” he said. “But Mark understands what he needs to do and that sets the clear line.”
* Jets coach Rex Ryan dodged questions about the team possibly appearing on the HBO reality show “Hard Knocks” this summer. He said there have been “casual” conversations about the Jets doing the show again, but there were no updatesFoxsports.com reported last week Ryan was against the team appearing on the show, but Ryan said nothing that firm yesterday when asked.
* The contract of cornerback Darrelle Revis likely will become an issue for the Jets sooner rather than later. He has two years remaining on the deal he signed before the 2010 season, but it was expected the two sides would renegotiate.
Ryan said he did not speak to Revis yesterday. He was asked if the team would be open to re-doing Revis’ contract.
“I think first off, those conversations would be private, if they actually did take place,” Ryan said. “I think any conversations, if that was the case, they’d take place between [general manager] Mike [Tannenbaum] and football administration So that’s what I would say about it.”
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Three players missed yesterday’s sessions, which were voluntary. According to a source, safety LaRon Landry, running back Joe McKnight and tight end Jeff Cumberland all failed to attend, but each player informed the team beforehand.