Frankly, I don’t know why anyone is surprised that QB Tim Tebow came to a contract agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Head coach Chip Kelly, who is continuing what has been an interesting off season to say the least, had brought Tebow into Philadelphia for a workout a little less than a month ago. While it was reported that the Eagles were biding their time until they found a trade for QB Matt Barkley, I believe that Kelly signed Tebow because he knows he will need another quarterback, but doesn’t know which one he’s moving yet.
Besides need, I find Tebow to be a fit for what Kelly wants to do. He is a football player, extremely multidimensional in the way that he can be used as a runner, receiver, and yes quarterback. While everyone knows that Tebow doesn’t have the best arm in NFL history, I believe his arm strength and accuracy are enough to complete many of the quick routes in Kelly’s offense. The main point of the offense is to move the ball down the field quickly, both via the run and pass, but only taking shots deep down field every once in a while, which is something Kelly could afford to do with Tebow.
In terms of mobility, Tebow would represent the best moving quarterback Kelly has had under center since taking over the Eagles two seasons ago. While Kelly has been quoted saying that mobility in a quarterback doesn’t matter to him as much in the NFL, you can’t deny that Tebow running the QB option is more attractive than QB Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, or Sam Bradford.
However, I think that the biggest reason Kelly signed Tebow is the fact that he is a model citizen, team player, workout warrior, and someone who will buy into the system. Tebow’s last reported measurables had him listed at 6’3″, 245 lbs., or the size of a small linebacker by NFL standards. If you’re quarterback is built like a truck and can lift with some of the strongest guys on your team, don’t you think it will motivate the team to become more fit in general? It’s a possibility, but maybe a long shot in a league like the NFL.
Overall, I don’t believe Tebow will be the starter, or even play a huge role in the offense. At most, I could see him getting around 5 snaps per game, lining up anywhere from receiver to tight end, running back and quarterback. His versatility makes him useful and dangerous, especially on a one year deal. Of course, Tebow attracts a media circus wherever he goes, but don’t you think that could be useful to take some of the attention and pressure of a young quarterback? (like, Marcus Mariota perhaps?)
Tebow can prove to be useful on and off the field for Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles, and has another chance to prove he can play in the NFL.
