Source: Tebow returns to NFL, will sign with Jacksonville
Tim Tebow has been out of the NFL since 2015, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are lining up an offer for the former Gator with intentions of using him at TE.
Tim Tebow looks set to make a miraculous return to the NFL, according to reports coming out of Florida.
Tebow’s hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are ready to pull the trigger and sign the former Florida Gator to a one year dear according to ESPN. The Jags just drafted QB Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in last months NFL draft, and are set at quarterback. But Tebow won’t be playing under center at TIAA Bank Field.
Tebow to play tight end for Jags
The 33 year old former quarterback turned analyst will be signed with the intention that he fills in at the tight end position for Jacksonville. Tebow has never played at tight end at any level of his football career.
A deal has not been confirmed, but if the Gator Alum joins the Jags he would join his old college coach Urban Meyer, who took the reigns of the Florida Franchise this season.
The #Jaguars are planning to sign QB-turned-TE Tim Tebow to a 1-year deal, per me and @TomPelissero, a deal that could be official in the next week or so. Nothing done yet. But he’ll have a chance to make the team to reunite with his mentor and college head coach Urban Meyer.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2021
The relationship between Meyer and Tebow has been more like that of a father and son, than that of a coach and player. The two won a couple of National titles in their time together in Gainesville.
Tebow hasn't played an NFL snap since 2015
Leading up to the NFL Draft there were reports of Tebow holding workouts with eyes on a return to the gridiron this season. Jags GM Trent Baalke acknowledged the workout but pledged nothing would be decided until after the selection show.
This is Tim’s second attempt at a comeback. In 2015 the Philadelphia Eagles signed the former Florida Gator after he was cut by the Patriots two seasons earlier. The Eagles released the lefty before the start of the regular season, and Tebow signed on as a broadcaster with the SEC Network.
Hometown hero with childhood team
Tebow, a Jacksonville native, went to Nease High School. After graduating he made the short trip south to Gainesville and teamed up with Meyer to win a couple of National Championships.
The Denver Broncos took a chance on Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. After two seasons, the Broncos signed Peyton Manning for a final swan song which cut his career in the Mile High City short. He was later traded to the Jets, where he was installed mostly on special teams plays.
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After unsuccessful ventures with the Patriots and the Eagles Tebow tried his hand a baseball, signing with the New York Mets minor league team. However, the former QB didn’t climb past the Triple-A side and retired from baseball four seasons later.
The Jags have a handful of tight ends on their roster going into preseason. Chris Manhertz, James O’Shaughnessy, Luke Farrell, Ben Ellefson and Tyler Davis will all be competing with Tebow to make the final list of 53.