Jacksonville Jaguars could sign Tim Tebow before training camp

Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Tebow could soon make his NFL return, this time reuniting with head coach Urban Meyer to play tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL season.

Tebow, who retired from baseball in February, started generating buzz about a return to the gridiron hours before the 2021 NFL Draft. With his close friend and former college coach now running things in Jacksonville, Tebow had an opportunity to play football again.

The 33-year-old hasn’t played an NFL since 2015, playing quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in preseason games. But after spending a few years playing professional baseball for the New York Mets’ minor-league affiliates, it seems Tebow might have a chance to become the Jaguars’ newest star attraction.

NBC Sports’ Peter King believes the Jaguars signing Tebow and giving him a spot on the depth chart as a tight end could happen, with a decision likely to be made in the near future.

Jacksonville is pretty desperate at tight end. The organization spent a fifth-round pick on Luke Farrell, who Meyer recruited and coached at Ohio State. But Day 3 picks aren’t a lock to make the roster and while the rookie is a safe bet, the organization might feel the need to improve the depth behind him.

Urban Meyer’s influence on Tim Tebow return

There’s a reason no other NFL team brought Tebow in for a workout. He never caught a single pass in college or the NFL and learning a new position as a 33-year-old is a daunting challenge. But Meyer is extremely close with his former college star.

Naturally, there’s even greater incentive for the Jaguars to do this. Trevor Lawrence is generating plenty of excitement and ticket sales will soar this fall, but there still isn’t a ton of must-see talent on this roster. Tebow is beloved in Florida and having him on the roster guarantees more stadium revenue for the franchise.

It’s the main reason the Mets gave Tebow a shot to play baseball. Early in his MiLB career, he helped teams in smaller areas draw sizable crowds. As he progressed up the ranks, reaching the Triple-A level, fans still wanted to watch him play despite his .163 batting average and 37.1% strikeout rate.

The Jaguars are at least a year away from competing for a playoff spot, so developing young talent and generating more revenue are the club’s priorities this year. Tebow’s workout at tight end seemed to go well and whether he brings NFL-caliber skill to the position or not, it’s evident he might get a shot at making the roster.