National Football League

Tebow trade coming down soon?

Published Mar. 19, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The eyes of the NFL are about to refocus on Tim Tebow.

With the Denver Broncos finalizing a deal for four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning, the question now becomes where the immensely popular Tebow will play in 2012.

FOX Sports has learned that the Broncos have been quietly shopping their one-time starter since the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, trying to gauge interest around the league as they prepared to make a run for Manning.

One of the NFL's most polarizing figures, Tebow led the Broncos on an improbable run to the AFC West title and a playoff victory last season, but he is also an unconventional quarterback whose throwing ability is still a work in progress.

The Jaguars are seen as a natural fit for the Jacksonville native and former University of Florida star, but the team has two quarterbacks in veteran Chad Henne and last year's 10th overall pick, Blaine Gabbert.

The acquisition of the 24-year-old Tebow would surely energize a franchise that has struggled with attendance in recent years.

New Jaguars owner Shahid Khan has said he would have been interested in Tebow if he had owned the team during the 2010 NFL Draft, in which the Broncos selected him 25th overall, but refused to comment on Tebow on Monday following the news of Manning's decision to go to Denver.

"We won't comment on players who are not members of the Jaguars organization, but I would like to wish Peyton Manning the very best in the AFC West," Khan said in a statement.

The Patriots have also been mentioned as a suitor for Tebow, though he would have to assume a backup role behind Tom Brady.

Head coach Bill Belichick has expressed admiration for the former Heisman Trophy winner, and New England's offensive coordinator is Josh McDaniels, who was the Broncos' coach when the team drafted Tebow.

Neither Tebow, nor his agent have commented since news broke of the Broncos' imminent signing of Manning.

The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns also have been in the market for a quarterback this offseason, with the Dolphins reaching agreement on a one-year deal with veteran David Garrard on Monday.