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The Jets made one of the most dramatic trades in their history yesterday — twice.
The team brought Tebowmania to Broadway last night, acquiring polarizing quarterback Tim Tebow from the Broncos for a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick in next month’s NFL Draft. The Jets also received the Broncos’ seventh-round pick.
The trade was finalized just before 9 p.m. after a surreal day that included twists and turns, including the trade being announced, then put on hold. In the end, the Jets outbid the Jaguars to land Tebow, who will serve as the team’s backup quarterback and be utilized in the Wildcat formation.
“He’s a competitor. He’s a winner,” Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “When you can add a player and a person like him, from our standpoint from working it over internally with our staff, with [owner Woody] Johnson, we felt there was a certain value we’d put on it. It was an unexpected opportunity and, again as you guys know, when there are opportunities we’ll evaluate them thoroughly and to add a dynamic playmaker we’re really excited about it.”
Tannenbaum said he called Mark Sanchez to tell him he still is the starter.
“Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback,” Tannenbaum said. “We’re adding Tim to be our backup quarterback and to play in other roles and packages.”
As many times as Tannenbaum says it, he still will struggle to avoid a quarterback controversy. Tebow comes with a legion of devoted fans and fascinates people with his knack for winning. He led the Broncos to the AFC West title last year, including a dramatic victory over the Jets, spearheaded by Tebow.
“Every quarterback has a backup,” Tannenbaum said. “We just changed who ours is.”
Tebow said he was excited to be with the Jets and spoke with Sanchez yesterday. Tebow said the Jets told him he would be used in the Wildcat, goal-line and some third-down packages.
“It is very clear,” Tebow said of the Jets’ expectations. “They want me to come in and compete and get better and get better as a quarterback and help the team anyway possible. Whatever that role is, in whatever fashion that is, I’ll do my best.”
The deal came together quickly for the Jets, who began discussing it internally once it became clear Peyton Manning could land in Denver. They stepped up their pursuit Tuesday when Manning’s deal with the Broncos became official.
The Jets struck a deal with the Broncos early yesterday afternoon, and announced it on their website, but the agreement hit a snag over $5 million the Broncos were due as part of Tebow’s contract language. Tannenbaum said the Jets were aware of the provision, disputing reports they did not read the fine print. But the teams differed on how it should be resolved.
After eight hours of back and forth, and the Jaguars making a last-minute bid for their hometown hero, the Jets agreed to pay $2.503 million and the teams reached a deal. ESPN reported the Jaguars offered a fourth-round pick.
Tebow denied a report he had any input on his destination. The source said Tebow was excited by what he heard from coach Rex Ryan and the team’s plans on using him.
Tebow called Ryan “a coach that I would love to play for.” He said he became a Ryan fan after watching “Hard Knocks” in 2010.
The Jets were intrigued by Tebow’s competitiveness and what he can do in the Wildcat. Ryan loves using the Wildcat, and new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano relied on it as head coach of the Dolphins.
The Jets did not just trade for Tebow, though. They also traded for Tebowmania. The Jets had locker-room problems in 2011. Adding Tebow might cause more issues.
“We understand the popularity of any backup QB and this one is more unique than others.” Tannenbaum said.