Tim Tebow signs 5-year deal with Broncos
Former Gator quarterback Tim Tebow won’t miss the start of Broncos training camp scheduled on Sunday. The 25th overall pick in April’s National Football League Draft signed a deal worth $11.25 million over five years, with $8.7 million of that guaranteed. According to ESPN Tebow could earn as much as $33 million over the course of the contract if he reaches certain conditions and performance thresholds.
It took some time, but Tebow’s agent Jimmy Sexton, and General Manager Brian Xanders finally agreed on a number and got the deal done.
Denver publicized Tebow's signing after Thursday’s workouts.
With a contract in his pocket, Tebow can finally focus on football and begin his life with his new team. Tebow is expected to practice Friday morning and will continue his journey in the NFL on Sunday when the Broncos gear up and take the field for practice in full pads.
The two-time national champion from Florida missed the rookies and quarterback workouts, but isn’t expected to be too far behind in learning the playbook and Denver’s offensive schemes.
Prior to the signing of Tebow, head coach Josh McDaniels said he wasn't worried that his protégé’s absence would put him in any real danger of falling behind others, although he might be overwhelmed at first.
"We went through 60 pages this morning in an installation meeting. Those pages are filled with information," McDaniels said. "It's not that we're not going to go back and review that, we will."
With Tebow coming to terms with Denver, only the star wide receiver from the University of Georgia Tech Demaryius Thomas, is the lonesome unsigned member of Denver’s draft class. No word yet if the Broncos are close to a deal with their top pick in this year’s draft.
But Denver can worry about that a little later. For now, they are trying to find ways to utilize the former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida and get him on the field where he can cause problems and mismatches for opposing defences.
Kyle Orton is the projected starter and backup Brady Quinn is second on the depth chart. So do not expect to see Tebow under centre any time soon—unless he comes in for a trick play. With excellent speed for a quarterback, Tebow can hurt you with his legs and arm. Look for the Broncos to design a few plays for him, similar to the way the Philadelphia Eagles draw up plays for Michael Vick. Denver is banking on that strategy and that Tebow is going to come up big-time in the NFL.
“Everything else that you're watching on film is accurate: tough, smart, good leader, versatile, can move out of the pocket, can move in the pocket, can run with the ball. This guy scored ... What is he, the third-leading passer all-time and the leading scorer in rushing touchdowns over Herschel Walker? There are so many things that you can say about the kid,” said McDaniels.
Although many criticised the former Gator for not being a natural passer and that his throwing motions were all wrong, the rookie worked very hard to shake that notion and that he can correct his flaws.
“You look at the tape, and the only thing that you can say about the tape that isn't flattering or very impressive is that he dips the ball a hair. He has already fixed that. I think that's something that you can fix through repetition. He's already done it. He proved that at his pro day,” said McDaniels.
With so much upside to this kid, it’s a mystery why the Jacksonville Jaguars opted to pass on him during the NFL Draft.
Mcdaniel doesn’t understand it either. “He’s every bit the person that you read about before you got the chance to meet him. He's very enthusiastic, wants to work hard, smart, bright, one of the smarter players I've ever been around in terms of coming out of college."
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