National Football League

Report: Jets QB Drew Stanton wants out

Published Mar. 22, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Quarterback Drew Stanton wants out of New York after his backup job was promised to Tim Tebow.

The Jets signed Stanton last week to a one-year, $1.25 million contract to be Mark Sanchez's backup, but on Wednesday the team traded for Tebow and announced he would serve as the No. 2 signal caller.

A source told the New York Post that Stanton is extremely upset. A person familiar with the Jets' plans says the team is trying to trade the quarterback.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team hasn't announced its plans.

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum had said the team might keep four quarterbacks (Sanchez, Tebow, Stanton and Greg McElroy). Tannenbaum said they didn't anticipate Tebow being available when they made the move for Stanton.

"When we signed Drew, obviously this was not contemplated in that decision," Tannenbaum said Wednesday night. "When you get an unexpected opportunity to add a player like Tim, you have to take advantage of that."

Tebow, who led the Broncos on a surprise run to the AFC West title last season, suddenly became available when Peyton Manning signed with Denver on Tuesday.

The Jets told Stanton he would be the backup quarterback, the Post reported, and he passed on signing with other teams because he was excited about the opportunity with the Jets.

Stanton, 27, spent the previous five seasons with the Lions. He played in six games, starting three, in 2010 in place of the injured Matthew Stafford.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.