In one of the more unexpected moves of the NFL offseason, it appears that Tim Tebow is going to give the NFL another shot — but as a tight end.
The question many fans will have is “Why now?” When Tebow was last in the NFL, he was adamant about only playing quarterback. So, why, after being out of the game for six years, make the switch now, and could he possibly be good enough to make the roster?
It is not too hard to speculate on the “why?” His former college coach, Urban Meyer, is now the coach in Jacksonville. According to reports, it was Tebow that reached out to Meyer about a workout. But Meyer knows all too well what kind of influence Tebow can have on a locker room, whether he plays or not.
Not only that, but with all the attention that is going to be on the Jaguars with Meyer coming out of retirement for his first foray into the NFL and the NFL debut of Trevor Lawrence, it will probably be nice to have someone that will absorb the attention.
But if it was just his presence that Meyer saw as a potential benefit, why not bring him on in some sort of coaching or advisory capacity? Tebow must be serious about trying to play again, and Meyer must think he can do it.
So, the question becomes whether he can learn enough about playing the position to earn a roster spot and become part of the game plan. There are already five tight ends on the roster, so there will be competition. However, none of the five have much experience playing in the NFL.
Making the final cut will depend on what Mayer wants to do with his tight ends and how quickly Tebow can adjust to playing the position.
Assuming he can even make the roster, is there any reason to believe Tebow can have an impact this season? Strangely enough — yes.
Lawrence did not work much with tight ends at Clemson. But Meyer has historically liked to run a spread-type offense dependent on quick, short passes. With a young quarterback getting his feet wet in the NFL, a big, athletic guy like Tebow could quickly become his favorite target.
That is if he can learn the position, run routes well, and get open. Oh, and catch the ball, too, of course. So, do not bank on him moving the needle for the Jaguars, until he does.
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