Tim Tebow Trade Rumors: Jets Interested In Broncos QB, According To Reports

Despite giving Mark Sanchez a three-year extension earlier this month, count the New York Jets among those teams expected to call once the Denver Broncos officially start soliciting offers for Tim Tebow. New York's alleged interest was reported Tuesday by multiple outlets, including Ben Shipgel of the New York Times:

Their interest in Tebow is sincere and legitimate, according to a former league executive with knowledge of their intentions, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the thinking of an organization that endured as many problems last season on offense as it did in the locker room. The Jets did not return a call for comment.

Tebow appeals to the Jets because of his familiarity with the Wildcat, the formation popularized in Miami by their new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano, and adored by Coach Rex Ryan. Sparano favors a run-oriented offense, and Tebow could emerge as a complementary piece, creating more opportunities for Sanchez to maximize one of his strengths, the play-action.

In addition to Tebow fitting into New York's offense, it doesn't hurt that Sparano and Ryan were both victims of his late-game heroics last season. In Tebow's first career start, he struggled for most of the game against Sparano's Dolphins before leading the Broncos to a come-from-behind win in overtime. Several weeks later, he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Jets after engineering a 95-yard drive in the final minutes.

Whether the Jets attempt to acquire Tebow or not, at least one member of the team doesn't think he's needed, as cornerback Antonio Cromartie tweeted words of support for teammates Jeremy Kerley and Joe McKnight:

We don't need Tebow. We sell out every home game let him go to Jacksonville Tampa or Miami. Our wildcat offense can b ran by J. Kerley or Joe McKnight we straight

For the latest Tebow rumors, stay tuned to Broncos blog Mile High Report. For more on the Jets, check out Gang Green Nation.