Tim Tebow Officially Back in the NFL; Signs With Philadelphia Eagles

Football’s most interesting team this off-season, the Eagles, just got even more interesting – if that were possible. 

Philadelphia has finalized an agreement with the 27-year-old Tebow, the framework of which was put into place when he worked out for the team last month.

Image Credit: twitter.com/Eagles

Before signing Tebow, the Eagles first wanted to try to trade backup quarterback Matt Barkley. But when the team could not get enough in return, it decided to bring in Tebow anyway so that he could be present for the team’s entire off-season program.

This signing isn't totally unexpected. Philadelphia obviously brought in Tebow for a workout earlier this offseason. After leaving town without a deal, one report indicated the Eagles were going to sign Tebow if the team could trade Matt Barkley. As Schefter notes, the team couldn't trade Barkley, so they just signed Tebow anyway.

Image Credit: twitter.com/Eagles

Tebow, a former first round pick of the Denver Broncos, hasn't been in the NFL since the Patriots released him in August 2013. He used to be teammates with Sanchez when they both played on the New York Jets in 2012.

It is one thing to stockpile receivers or defensive backs. But teams can use only one quarterback at a time, and sometimes having even two candidates for starter can lead to a controversy that eats up a team. Now the Eagles have five quarterbacks, three of whom have started N.F.L. games.

Eagles coach Chip Kelly loved going for two points during his coaching days at Oregon. He knows Tebow can be a two-point specialist if nothing else.

The NFL, at its owners meetings May 18-20 in San Francisco, is expected to amend its extra-point rules for the 2015 season. The proposal that seemed to have the most traction as the owners, coaches and top executives adjourned from their league meetings last month in Phoenix: Move the one-point extra point back 13 yards to a 33-yard kick and nudge the two-point conversion in a half-yard from the 2-yard line to the 1 1/2.

Tebow rushed for four touchdowns of 2 yards or less in his two Bronco seasons (2010-2011) and was two-of-two in two-point rushing attempts during his impressive 2011 season.

The nominal starter at this point is Sam Bradford, acquired in March from the St. Louis Rams in a surprising trade for the Eagles’ starter last season, Nick Foles.

His status as starter there, and even his roster spot, may not be locked up. Though jerseys of the Eagles’ other new acquisitions are readily available, Bradford jerseys were not in stock at local stores, NJ.com reported last week. Is Bradford just a pawn in Chip Kelly's trading game? We will find out soon enough. 

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO