Jaguars could’ve signed these 3 tight ends instead of Tim Tebow

It’s official! Tim Tebow is now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 2010 first-round selection, the Florida product will resume his NFL career after last appearing in a regular-season game in 2012. Regardless of how he got his opportunity, it would be great to see him succeed. On the other hand, it’s necessary to be realistic and acknowledge that his odds of making the team and becoming a key contributor in 2021 are slim. In fact, the Jags could have given a chance to someone who is better acquitted with the tight end position.

Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer says Tebow is in the best shape of his life and looks like a younger instead of the 33-year-old player he is. Most people his age would surely like to have the kind of biceps he has but the truth is that 99 percent of all NFL players have an outstanding physical condition.

There are a few exceptions of course, as there have been cases of players who are out of shape. Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell comes to mind, and so does former Green Bay Packers Eddy Lacy. Either way, the tight end won’t be the only player in great physical shape in Jaguars training camp.

Tebow will face an uphill battle to make the roster. Free-agent acquisition Chris Manhertz and James O’Shaughnessy are currently the Jags’ top tight ends. The Florida product will have to compete with rookie Luke Farrell and sophomore Ben Ellefson for playing time. Keep in mind that these players have a good grasp of the position while Tebow will be learning it on the fly.

Although the organization has done a good job of revamping the roster this offseason, they could have taken a different approach to the tight end position. Even after the draft, it would have made more sense to add other players instead of Tebow.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could’ve acquired any of these three tight ends.

1. Zach Ertz – Not too long ago, Zach Ertz was one of the best three tight ends in the NFL. However, he dealt with injuries in 2020 and the Philadelphia Eagles have a potential replacement in Dallas Goedert.

Ertz won’t attend the rest of Philly’s offseason program, per Jeff McClane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Before 2021’s draft, the Eagles wanted a third or fourth-round selection in exchange for the tight end. If the Jaguars want an upgrade at the position, they should pick up the phone and give the ‘Birds’ a phone call.

2. Trey Burton – The second tight end on this list also happened to play for the Eagles. In fact, Trey Burton was part of that team that won Super Bowl 52. Although he’s far from elite, he would be an instant upgrade in the Jaguars’ tight end room. He signed with Chicago Bears in 2018 and spent time with the Indianapolis Colts last year.

Even though Burton has missed 11 games over the last two years, he started all 16 games in 2019 and hauled in 54 receptions for 569 yards and six touchdowns. This Jacksonville team would surely welcome that kind of production.

3. Tyler Eifert – The Jags opted not to exercise the team option for Tyler Eifert’s contract this offseason, making him a free agent. He was their most productive tight end in 2020, hauling in 36 receptions for 436 yards and two touchdowns. So far, he hasn’t found a new team and is still available. He was going to make less than $5 million. They could now get him at a discount rate.