Sports Insights, a website that calculates odds for various sports, recently projected that quarterback Tim Tebow has just a 31.25 percent chance of making the Philadelphia Eagles' roster.
Will Tim Tebow make the #Eagles 53 man roster? Yes 180 | No -260 Implied Probability 31.25%
— Sports Insights (@SportsInsights) July 8, 2015
Some NFL observers would view that as an appropriate number; perhaps even a bit generous. After all, Tebow has essentially been out of football since 2012 sans a training camp invitation with the New England Patriots a few offseasons ago. Although he won a playoff game while with the Denver Broncos, his wonky mechanics and non-traditional quarterback abilities are not viewed as sustainable styles of play in the long-term. Plus, the Eagles seem comfortable with Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez as the top two QBs on the roster.
But does Tebow have a shot at making Chip Kelly's roster? Fans know Kelly is an innovative offensive guru who elicits production from the unlikeliest of sources. Is there a chance that Tebow is his next project?
Current third-string quarterback Matt Barkley isn't much of a road block. The former fourth-round pick hasn't made an impression on Kelly and has even been put on the trade block several times. His career 0:4 TD-to-INT ratio probably has something to do with that. Kelly, who confirmed the significant "improvement from Tim Tebow," earlier this offseason could want a more versatile threat at that position on the depth chart.
Although Tebow will never be confused with Tom Brady or Drew Brees, he has at least been working closely with Tom House, a former MLB pitcher who tutored both Brady and Brees on throwing motions. Reports out of camp did hint that Tebow's mechanics have evolved since last we saw him on an NFL field.
Last (and certainly least), Tebow is still a big hit with fans. Despite not take a single snap in three years, Tebow's Eagles jersey was the 16th bestselling uniform in the NFL last month. The guy actually out sold Marshawn Lynch (20) and Tony Romo (24), according to CBS Sports. Coaches win football games on the field but owners make money off of it and Tebow is most certainly a sought after commodity.
Will any of this translate into an actual roster spot for Tebow? I have no idea. I just like to play Devil's Advocate and look at all of the variables.
What do you think, Philly fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
