Tim Tebow on the roster bubble ahead of training camp

After a few years away from the NFL, Tim Tebow is trying to make a comeback. The thing is that he will no longer be playing quarterback. Instead, he’s working on making the transition to tight end. The 2010 first-round pick will have to impress the coaching staff in training camp if he wants to make the 53-man roster.

Chris Roling of Bleacher Report recently drew up a list of NFL veterans that could find themselves on the roster bubble in training camp and Tebow was among the players that made the cut. He points that the former Gator hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 20212.

Roling goes on to cite a conversation head coach Urban Meyer had with Makenzie Salmon of USA Today. Meyer told Salmon that he sees Tebow as one of 90 players trying to make the team, and wonders what the difference is between him and other 40 guys fighting for a job. Roling says Tebow will have a steep hill to climb and is a long shot to be on the 53-man roster.

"Tebow faces stiff competition from “Tight End University” invitee Chris Manhertz, veteran James O’Shaughnessy and fifth-rounder Luke Farrell. Unless he proves that he can help develop No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, his long-shot chance of making the roster will end predictably."

Jaguars tight end Tim Tebow has several things working in his favor.

Tebow was offered the chance to switch to tight end back in the early 2010s. At the time, he said that wasn’t something that was in his heart and “it wasn’t something he wanted to do“. He’s now trying to make the transition at 33. It won’t be easy but it won’t be impossible either. He’s in great physical condition, so if he doesn’t make the team, it won’t be because he is out of shape. Of course, it takes more than just big biceps to play in the NFL. He needs to learn how to block, and run routes, which won’t be a walk in the park.

Moreover, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner may not be a true tight end. Instead, he could carve a niche in short-yardage, and red-zone situations. As a media personality suggested, he could be the Jaguars designated scoring machine. In that role, Tebow would only appear in five to eight plays per game but that might be enough. After all, he won’t have time to learn all the nuances of the position, so he could be more effective in a limited role.

At this point, the Jaguars might be better off keeping Tebow around. He’s spent the summer with the team and his leadership could turn out to be valuable. He knows Meyer well and could help him convey his message. Even if he doesn’t make the team, he could join the practice squad. There, he could continue working on his craft and he could be called up to the 53-man roster in any week.

In the end, the Jaguars, just like any other team, want players that can contribute when called upon. If Tim Tebow can move the chains every now and help them score points, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be on their roster in 2021.