The Philadelphia Eagles have released quarterback Tim Tebow, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. This move is a shocker, as the Eagles dealt away fellow backup quarterback Matt Barkley to the Arizona Cardinals yesterday evening, which made most think Tebow had his roster spot secure as the third string quarterback.
Going into the preseason, it was evident that newly acquired quarterback Sam Bradford would be the starter and Mark Sanchez would be right behind him as the backup quarterback. The only other two quarterbacks on the roster at the beginning of the preseason was Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley. Tebow was considered a long shot after the Eagles signed him, as he hadn't played in the NFL since the 2013 preseason and hadn't started a regular season game at quarterback since 2012.
But in the preseason, Tebow outplayed Barkley.
Tebow had a 58.3 completion percentage, 286 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 90.8 passer rating, 82 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Barkley had a 51.9 completion percentage, 351 passing yards, zero touchdowns, two interceptions, 57.5 passer rating, seven rushing yards, and zero rushing touchdowns.
The only category Barkley had Tebow beat in was passing yards.
Then last night, it had been announced that the Eagles traded Barkley to the Cardinals for a conditional seventh round pick. This made many think that Tebow's roster spot as the third quarterback was confirmed, as most NFL teams keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.
But Saturday morning, Adam Schefter announced that Tebow has been released. It's really a head scratcher because Tebow brings a lot of positive energy both on and off the field. Tebow is known for being public about his Christianity. We know that not every NFL player is a Christian, as Houston Texans running back Arian Foster made that clear in August. But nonetheless, Tebow is a player of great character and integrity and is able to uplift his teammates.
Again, it's shocking that Tim Tebow was released and Chip Kelly (who is known for making some questionable moves) will go with only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Tebow's NFL career is most likely over, unless another team were to reach out to him, which is unlikely. But then again, everyone was saying his career was over back in 2013 and Tebow found himself back in the league. At this point, Tim Tebow's NFL future is unpredictable, but "Tebow Time" is over in the "City of Brotherly Love."