Never underestimate Bill Belichick’s ability to surprise. When it comes to team building, the man is a complete wild card.
Never underestimate Bill Belichick’s ability to surprise. When it comes to team building, the man is a complete wild card.
So while nothing should ever be viewed as shocking, it would be a huge surprise if the New England Patriots signed Tim Tebow after the backup quarterback was released by the New York Jets Monday morning.
Putting his polarizing football skills aside, Tebow would not have a natural fit in New England. The Patriots are well set at quarterback with Tom Brady and it would be hard to justify pulling him off the field so that Tebow could run a wildcat package.
As far as backup quarterbacks go, there was a strong rumor that the Denver Broncos offered Tebow and second-round pick to the Patriots for Ryan Mallett last offseason and New England said no.
So where would Tebow fit in? On special teams? Would he be willing to play a position other than quarterback? Would Belichick be willing to invite the media circus and distractions that follow Tebow in exchange for those limited contributions?
The wild card here is that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the man who drafted Tebow in Denver. McDaniels was once intoxicated by Tebow’s intangibles and believed that he could turn him into a quality quarterback.
There’s some unfinished business there and it is possible that McDaniels will campaign for the opportunity to work with Tebow again.
It's not impossible, but it is hard to see Tebow landing in New England. Even at a minimum salary, the costs outweigh the positives.