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Tim Tebow Could Stay With Jets? GM Invites Speculation With Enigmatic Remark

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- By many accounts, the Jets plan to cut ties with Tim Tebow through a trade or outright release.

But wait just a second -- new general manager John Idzik renewed the great Tebow debate Monday when he appeared to hint that the quarterback could be in the mix at the position this offseason.

"He's currently on our roster," Idzik said of Tebow during a conference call with season ticket holders. "What we're doing is we're trying to increase competition at that position and positions across the board, so we're going to let the competition play out. We're going to see who we're able to bring on board and let it play out this offseason and into training camp.

"So I think that'll be healthy for all concerned, including Tim."

The Jets have been in talks with veteran David Garrard, and plan to keep Mark Sanchez, who is guaranteed $8.25 million this season. Greg McElroy and Matt Simms will also be in the competition, and New York could still sign another free agent or draft a young quarterback.

But, it's unlikely Tebow will be on the roster once the Jets begin offseason workouts. The Jets, by mentioning Tebow, could also be trying to build a trade market for him since most believe New York will end up cutting him.

That doesn't mean Idzik's difficult-to-interpret remark was ignored by football analysts or Tebow supporters. In response, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com wrote a column titled, "Why Tim Tebow shouldn't be cut by the New York Jets."

"It would be better for the team if the rumblings I'm starting to hear are true," wrote Rapoport. "On the field, he still could be viable. It would help the team if the Jets were serious about keeping Tebow on the roster through training camp, amping up competition and trying to see if they can gain a return on their investment.

"Because why not?"

Dealing the 25-year-old won't be an easy task. It's unclear which teams — if any — have interest in the backup quarterback. Used primarily as a personal punt protector on special teams in 2012, Tebow threw just eight passes on the season, completing six of them for 39 yards. He also rushed the ball 32 times for 102 yards, failing to find the end zone.

What do you think Idzik meant by the comment? Was he just trying to build the trade market? Be heard in the comments!

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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