According to Columbia, S.C. radio station WZMJ ESPN The Zone 93.1, the Denver Broncos are currently looking for trade offers for embattled quarterback Tim Tebow.
Tebow, who many figured would be named the Broncos' starter (especially after the Kyle Orton trade rumors) hasn't impressed head coach John Fox, nor VP of football operations John Elway (Tebow's numbers in two preseason games: 7 for 9, 101 yards passing, no touchdowns, no interceptions along with three rushes for 22 yards), and last week even slid down to third on the Broncos depth chart behind fellow first round pick Brady Quinn.
Of course, Tim Tebow is one of the most controversial athletes in all of sports right now as everybody has an opinion of him—both good and bad. He's also considered one of the best collegiate football players of all-time,due to his two National Championships and Heisman Trophy.
However, Tebow's NFL career hasn't panned out quite the way many people expected. Chosen in the first round of the 2010 draft by former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Tebow went 1-2 in three starts as the Broncos starting quarterback; however, he did throw five touchdowns to three interceptions, completed 41 out of 82 passes and passed for 654 yards. Tebow also rushed for 227 yards on 43 attempts and scored six touchdowns throughout the season while only fumbling the ball once (which was recovered).
How this affects the Miami Dolphins
Even though I tend to disagree with the perception, many think that the Dolphins have quarterback trouble. And even though I'm in favor of Chad Henne keeping his starting job, a trade for Tebow would make good sense for Miami.
The Dolphins can help develop Tebow and occasionally use him on some short yardage situations, similar for how they planned to use Pat White when the drafted him (but odds are with much better success). Tebow is also a winner. As much of a cliche that is, Tebow did go 35-6 with the Gators.
If I'm Miami, here's the trade I make: Phillip Merling and a 4th or 5th rounder in exchange for Tebow and a 6th round pick. Denver needs a defensive end, and Miami has a logjam on that position between Merling, Randy Starks, Kendall Langford, Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel, and of course, the returning Jason Taylor (who likely will be used more as a flex linebacker).
Merling seems to be the odd man out but is the type of player who likely would be helped by a change of scenery and would most likely get a starting job with the Broncos. A deal like this also means that the Dolphins won't be giving up too much as their 4th or 5th round pick will turn into a 6th rounder and Tebow would be a project who could also help in some short yardage situations.
Its a deal that could help both teams, no reason to not get it done if it presents itself.
Then there's the PR factor. Since joining the Broncos, Tebow has had the best selling jersey in the NFL. Miami, despite being in Florida, isn't really considered Gator country. There are plenty of Gators fans here, however I can tell you from experience that many people in Miami grew up cheering for either the Hurricanes or Seminoles. There are plenty of people I know personally that went to the University of Florida but remained 'Canes fans. Tebow's popularity in Miami isn't as big as one would believe, he would have a bigger impact on ticket sales in Tampa Bay (which doesn't need him) or Jacksonville (I'd rather have Blaine Gabbert or David Gerrard than Tebow honestly).
But Tebow does bring a certain buzz to him that few NFL athletes not named Brady, Brees or Manning do. Everyone has an opinion of him, and he will get people talking.
Even if he's only Chad Henne's understudy this season.
Thomas Galicia is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist. Follow him on twitter @thomasgalicia. For more of his opinions on other subjects, visit www.thomasgalicia.com.
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