Tim Tebow today got released by the New York Jets a necessary move with Geno Smith getting drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the signing of David Garrard. Then already on the roster were Matt Simms, Greg McElroy and the likely starter for the upcoming season Mark Sanchez on the roster.
When Sanchez struggled in 2012, head coach Rex Ryan didn’t have confidence in Tebow who many saw as the no.2 quarterback on the roster. Playing time went to McElroy and in the two games he saw he completed 19-31 passes, threw for 214 yards a touchdown an interception, a long of 30, got intercepted once and fumbled once. Also, ran for 30 yards on eight carries with a long of 15 and picked up two first downs.
As for Tebow he saw action in 12 games, yet threw only eight passes for 39 yards. Ran the ball 32 times for 102 yards and 10 first downs. Ryan said “we have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped. Tim is an extremely hard worker, evident by the shape he came back in this off-season. We wish him the best moving forward.”
The Jets did their best to trade him during the draft and with no move being made and it was just a matter of time before he got cut. Bringing Tebow to the franchise for the 2012 season got viewed as a publicity stunt and it brought plenty of media attention throughout the season especially when Sanchez got demoted. Yet, that’s all it did.
What got seen as a turning point for the quarterback in 2011 after leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs and a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. It truly wasn’t. The wins that he picked up came against teams that had many injuries including the playoff victory.
When there was a team that was relatively healthy every game was a blow out including the loss in the postseason to the New England Patriots.
As for what’s next for him is anyone’s guess. There’ not a market for a quarterback such as Tebow who has poor footwork, lacks accuracy and possesses less than stellar arm strength. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he ends up in the Canadian Football League.