Denver moved Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick to the Jets…
Denver moved Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick to the Jets after signing Peyton Manning, receiving fourth- and sixth-round selections that became Philip Blake and Danny Trevathan. Tebow played only one season in New York and never became a meaningful part of the offense. Trevathan developed into a starting linebacker and later helped Denver win Super Bowl 50. Converting a displaced quarterback into a championship contributor makes the Broncos the clear winner.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2012 4th round pick (108th overall, Philip Blake)
- pick 2012 6th round pick (188th overall, Danny Trevathan)
New York Jets Received
- player Tim Tebow
- pick 2012 7th round pick (232nd overall subsequently traded, Greg Scruggs )
Trade Analysis
Denver had already made its franchise-altering quarterback decision when this trade occurred. The Broncos signed Peyton Manning, making Tim Tebow expendable one season after his improbable run to an AFC West title and a playoff victory. Rather than simply carrying an awkward backup situation, Denver found a market and sent Tebow plus a seventh-round selection to New York for fourth- and sixth-round picks.
The Jets envisioned Tebow as a complementary weapon to Mark Sanchez, with Wildcat packages and short-yardage possibilities. The football role never became substantial. Tebow appeared in packages, carried the ball occasionally and attempted very few passes, but New York never developed a coherent offensive identity around him. The move created enormous attention without producing meaningful quarterback value, and Tebow was released after the season.
Denver's return looked modest on draft night but became valuable because of the sixth-round selection. The Broncos used pick No. 188 on linebacker Danny Trevathan. He grew into a starting role, became an important part of a fast, aggressive defense and started during the 2015 championship season, when Denver's defense powered the club to a Super Bowl 50 victory. Fourth-rounder Philip Blake did not develop into a contributor, so the trade was not a two-player hit. Trevathan alone, however, supplied several seasons of starting value and postseason impact.
The Broncos also deserve credit for timing. Tebow's market was never likely to improve after Manning arrived, yet Denver still extracted two usable selections and removed a potentially distracting roster issue. New York paid a reasonable nominal price, but the Jets received only one season of limited specialty usage.
Because Trevathan became a championship-caliber starter while Tebow never earned a lasting role in New York, the historical edge belongs decisively to Denver.