Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Tim Tebow Could Be Taking Bigger Role As Team Prepares To Trade Matt Barkley
The Philadelphia Eagles are rumored to be putting quarterback Matt Barkley on the trade block, creating what could be an opening for Tim Tebow to not only make the final roster but take an important role with the team as the season starts.
For months, there have been reports that the Eagles are trying to trade Barkley, who is currently the third-string quarterback behind Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez. Now there are new reports that indicate the Eagles are willing to part with Barkley for a small sum, making it clear that he doesn’t fit into long-term plans.
Matt Barkley still available for not a lot, I’m told. Not that this is news.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 31, 2015
But whatever happens with Barkley — whether he leaves via trade or is possibly cut before the end of training camp — it’s being seen as a good sign for Tim Tebow, SB Nation noted.
SB Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton explained the situation.
“The Eagles being down on Barkley is obviously great news for Tebow. Despite being out of the league for two years and struggling this spring, Tebow has a real shot to make Philadelphia’s final roster. Even Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham recently said Tebow ‘is going to shock a lot of people because he’s going to make the team.’
“Whether Tebow actually plays out or not is a different story. The Eagles typically only keep two quarterbacks active on game day. Then again, a report from earlier this offseason indicated Chip Kelly will experiment with Tebow in different packages.”
The Philadelphia Eagles and coach Chip Kelly have been rumored to be very high on Tim Tebow, despite the fact he’s been out of the league for two seasons now. Many believed that Tebow would become the team’s two-point specialist had the NFL voted to move two-point conversions up to the 1-yard line, but even though that never came to pass, he could still play an important role on short-yardage situations.
There are plenty of people in his corner. This week, Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham said he believes Tebow will make the team and get a good amount of playing time.
“Tim Tebow is going to shock a lot of people because he’s going to make the team,” Graham said (via SB Nation). “I think he’ll play a lot.”
Even if Tim Tebow is angling to make the team, the Philadelphia Eagles trade rumors regarding Matt Barkley may not amount to much. Insiders note that he doesn’t have much trade value, and could end up simply being cut to make room for Tebow.
[Image via Getty Images]
