Tim Tebow has gone from starter-in-waiting for the New York Jets to third string, a move the likely cements the exit for the quarterback who has finally started to show his frustration with the team.
A source close to the Jets told ESPN that the team has picked newly benched quarterback Mark Sanchez to back up Greg McElroy in this weekend’s game, leaving Tebow as the third-string quarterback. Though coach Rex Ryan didn’t confirm the depth chart at quarterback, he did say it’s possible that all three quarterbacks could be active on Sunday.
Sanchez finally played his way to the bench after a sloppy season. His four turnovers on Monday Night Football against the Tennessee Titans sank the team and its slight playoff hopes, but when Ryan benched him he opted to go with untested quarterback Greg McElroy instead of Tim Tebow.
Though Tebow has a reputation as a good team player — going along this season with serving odd roles, like punt protector — he finally showed his anger this week in speaking with reporters.
Sanchez said any discord about the quarterback change is overshadowed by the general anger at how the once-promising season has played out.
“Everybody is unhappy,” Sanchez said. “We haven’t won as many games as we wanted to, we’re not playing for the playoffs, but at the same time you have to be a pro and do the right thing. I think that’s most important. I’m accountable to these guys.”
Next season will almost definitely see a new quarterback starting for the Jets. The team is reportedly shopping Sanchez and interested in bringing in Michael Vick at quarterback. The The Associated Press reported that Tim Tebow will demand a trade after the season is over.
