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The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ signing of Tim Tebow has created plenty of buzz. Tebow was signed as a tight end and there’s no guarantee that he will make the final roster, but at least one former NFL general manager is worried the signing could stunt the development of No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence.
Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who previously traded for Tebow, said that he thinks Lawrence’s camp will be unhappy with the move.
And because of the growing pains that come with rookie quarterbacks, there is some concern that a quarterback controversy could brew during the season.
“I’m sure that Trevor Lawrence’s agents have called Jacksonville and said ‘What are you doing? You’re taking away development from the most important person in the franchise, Trevor Lawrence.'” Tannenbaum said on Friday’s episode of ESPN’s Get Up. “I got the same call nine years ago, when we traded for Tim Tebow, and Mark Sanchez’s agents—rightfully so, by the way—said ‘What are you doing?’
“There is a realistic scenario: what happens if at the one-yard line, Tim Tebow scores on a quarterback sneak and then on the next drive Trevor Lawrence throws a pick-six? I think Trevor Lawrence is going to be great, but he’s a rookie quarterback. There is going to be a learning curve. You do not want a quarterback controversy. I do not expect one, but given the popularity of Tim Tebow, if he has any success, and Trevor Lawrence has any sort of stumbles, which he will have, Jacksonville is putting themselves in a position unnecessarily to bring attention to that position where this should be about Trevor Lawrence’s development.”
Now, anyone who is realistic knows Lawrence is the future of the Jaguars. But Tannenbaum does have a point.
If Lawrence loses redzone snaps to Tebow, not only will it take away from valuable reps it could also take away from potential moments that could boost Lawrence’s confidence.
Whatever happens with Tebow remains to be seen, but plenty of people will be watching.
